GERD: What Works Right Now for Heartburn and Reflux

Got burning in your chest after meals or a bitter taste at the back of your throat? That’s classic GERD—gastroesophageal reflux disease. It’s common, often manageable, and you don’t need fancy tests to start feeling better. Here are clear, useful steps you can use today.

Simple daily fixes that help fast

Change small habits and many people notice less reflux. Eat smaller, slower meals and stop eating 2–3 hours before bed. Lying down with a full stomach makes acid flow back up. Raise the head of your bed by 10–15 cm (a wedge pillow works). Sleep on your left side—this simple shift can reduce night symptoms.

Watch what you drink and eat. Coffee, alcohol, chocolate, mint, fried foods, spicy dishes, and citrus often trigger reflux. Try removing one item at a time for a week to spot your personal triggers. Smoking makes reflux worse, so quitting helps both acid control and overall health. If you’re overweight, losing even 5–10% of body weight can cut reflux episodes a lot.

Medical options and when to act

Over-the-counter antacids ease occasional heartburn quickly. For frequent symptoms, H2 blockers (like famotidine) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs such as omeprazole) work better. Take PPIs 30–60 minutes before your biggest meal for best effect. Use the lowest effective dose and talk with your doctor about how long to take them—long-term use has side effects to watch for, like low magnesium or increased fracture risk in some people.

If you have trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, or persistent vomiting, see a doctor quickly—these are warning signs that need testing. Your doctor might suggest an endoscopy to check the esophagus or a 24-hour pH test to measure acid exposure. Those tests guide treatment when simple fixes and meds don’t control symptoms.

Some people benefit from anti-reflux surgery or newer endoscopic procedures. These are options when meds don’t help or when someone wants to avoid lifelong medication. A reflux specialist can explain pros and cons based on your test results and lifestyle.

Quick checklist: avoid late meals, cut triggers, sleep elevated and on your left, try OTC meds for short-term relief, see a doctor for warning signs or if you need daily medication. Keep a one-week food and symptom diary before your appointment—doctors find it very helpful.

GERD is treatable. Small, concrete changes often reduce symptoms a lot, and medical options exist when you need them. If you’re unsure what to try first, ask your healthcare provider for a short plan you can test for a month and then reassess.