Eat smaller portions. Watch alcohol consumption. Wait a few hours after eating to lay down or go to bed. Elevate the head of the bed 6 inches. Take an antacid after consulting your physician.
Most drugs just suppress the stomach acids that lead to heartburn.
The valve becomes weakened and relaxes, allowing the acid to back up. The stomach acid can lead to ulcerations and can damage the lining of the esophagus. While many persons experience occasional heartburn, those with GERD endure symptoms that impact many aspects of their lives. Most GERD sufferers must take daily doses of medication for the rest of their lives to control symptoms. Taking antacid medications does not reduce the cancer risk, the study found.