How to Control Acid Reflux and GERD: Tips and Treatments

By: Dr. Henry Herrera, DHR Health Gastroenterologist
5520 Leonardo Da Vinci Drive Suite 100 Edinburg, TX 78539
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We’ve all experienced it: that familiar burning sensation in our throat after a meal. This discomfort, called “heartburn,” is a symptom of acid reflux, a condition where stomach contents flow back into our esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, chronic cough, hiccups, hoarseness, and nausea. While nearly everyone has occasional acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when acid reflux causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications.

So, how do we treat acid reflux? Simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. Avoid eating at least three hours prior to laying down in bed. Consider sleeping on your left side and elevating the head of your bed, which can reduce the risk of reflux symptoms while sleeping. Weight loss reduces the amount of pressure your stomach feels and can improve GERD symptoms. Finally, avoiding smoking and alcohol can also improve GERD symptoms.

Diet is crucial in managing GERD. Common “trigger foods” to avoid include tomato-based foods like sauces and soups, fatty and fried foods that delay stomach emptying, and caffeinated foods and drinks such as chocolate and coffee, which relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus, increasing reflux.

If lifestyle and dietary changes are not enough, there are several types of medications which can help. These include over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, H2RA’s such as Pepcid and Zantac (Famotidine), and the PPIs, which include Prilosec, Protonix, and Nexium. These medications provide varying levels of relief by either neutralizing stomach acid or by blocking the production of acid in the stomach.

If your GERD symptoms are not controlled completely with diet and medications, it is important to get specialized evaluation by a gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologist may recommend placing a camera into your esophagus, a procedure known as an upper endoscopy (EGD). With an EGD, the gastroenterologist looks for complications of GERD such as esophagitis, Barrett’s Esophagus, and esophageal cancer. A hiatal hernia can also be diagnosed, which is a frequent cause of persistent acid reflux. The gastroenterologist may also recommend several other studies to look at the acid levels in the esophagus and the muscle movements of the esophagus. If symptoms persist, a surgical consultation may be necessary.

While GERD is a very common disease, it should be taken seriously, especially if you are having difficulty controlling it. Always consult with your primary doctor or your gastroenterologist for personalized guidance.

About Dr. Henry Herrera

Dr. Herrera is a board-certified gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of conditions such as abdominal pain, heartburn, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding. With advanced training in endoscopic procedures, he offers comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. A Rio Grande Valley native raised in McAllen, Dr. Herrera values compassionate, patient-centered care and is committed to improving the health of his community.

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