You need to see a doctor who can better diagnose the severity of your condition. GERD can masquerade as many complaints. For example, chest pain resembling a heart attack, asthma, sore throat, hoarseness, bronchitis, or wheezing can all be signs of acid refluxing into the esophagus and on to the vocal cords or into the lungs. In otherwise healthy people, heartburn may be made worse by poor eating habits. For example, overeating meals high in fats or excessive alcohol, or certain food products such as citrus juices, spicy tomato products, or chocolates may cause heartburn even in healthy individuals.
Antacids are particularly useful for rapidly relieving heartburn symptoms.
Furthermore, these products may be taken prior to meals or activities that may cause reflux symptoms to occur. If you have heartburn more than twice a week or heartburn associated with food sticking, weight loss, or low blood count you need to see your doctor. Physicians have a number of prescription medicines that may be helpful for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. These include promotility drugs which help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and improve the emptying of acid from the esophagus and stomach. Other drugs can decrease the acidity of the stomach contents.