Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux and GERD. It feels like a burning sensation in the center of the chest, and sometimes in the throat.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up, or “refluxes,” into the esophagus toward the throat. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and a sour, acidic taste in the back of the throat.

GERD is a chronic condition in which acid reflux occurs at least 2-3 times a week. If untreated, GERD can cause inflammation (esophagitis) or changes in the lining of the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus). Barrett’s esophagus may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

While chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, it’s not the only one. Less common symptoms can include:

• Non-burning chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing (called dysphagia), or food getting stuck in the esophagus
• Painful swallowing (called odynophagia)
• Persistent laryngitis or hoarseness
• Persistent sore throat
• Chronic cough
• Asthma that’s new or occurs only at night
• Regurgitation of foods or fluids, or the taste of acid in the throat
• Feeling as if there’s a lump in the throat
• Worsening dental disease
• Waking up with a choking sensation

If you have persistent acid reflux symptoms two or more times per week, despite taking over-the-counter medication, it may be time to see your primary care provider. In addition, contact your provider for advice if you have any of these symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing, or pain when swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your vomit, or dark-colored stools
• Symptoms that worsen or interfere with daily activities

Your primary care provider can help you find the right treatment based on your symptoms, and may refer you to a gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive conditions) if appropriate.* If your condition is serious, you may need to see a surgeon.

*Some PPO insurance plans allow you to go straight to a gastroenterologist without a referral if symptoms are severe. Check with your insurance.

Two treatment approaches can offer effective relief for moderate to severe GERD symptoms:

• Prescription medications: Most people gain good control of their symptoms with medications such as Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec. Known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), these drugs reduce acid production by blocking the acid pumps (or proton pumps) in the stomach. More powerful than over-the-counter medicines, PPIs are the most effective medications available for controlling acid reflux.
• Surgery: If PPIs cause side effects or don’t control your symptoms, surgery may be an effective option. It can help strengthen the sphincter between your stomach and your esophagus, making it a better barrier to acid reflux.

Over-the-counter medicines can help treat occasional mild (once a week or less) heartburn:

• Antacids, such as Tums and Mylanta, neutralize the acid in your stomach. They work quickly, but only for a short time.
• H2 blockers, such as Pepcid and Zantac, reduce acid production. They take longer to start working, but provide relief for 6-12 hours.

In addition, these lifestyle changes are known to help prevent or reduce reflux and GERD symptoms:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just a few pounds may reduce your symptoms.
• Avoid trigger foods that promote reflux, such as caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, fatty foods and carbonated beverages.
• Avoid large meals and late-night eating, and don’t lie down after eating.
• Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to reduce nighttime reflux symptoms.
• Quit smoking. Smoking weakens the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, reduces the production of acid-buffering saliva, and causes coughing, which pushes acid into the esophagus.