Treatment Options For Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

If you have frequent heartburn, it could be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease or "GERD."

With GERD, stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. It can cause heartburn, regurgitation, disease or complications like ulcer in the esophagus.

According to Patrick A. Hyatt, M.D., Director of The Center for Heartburn and Reflux Disease which is part of The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy treating GERD starts with lifestyle modifications.

"A lot of times, there are dietary triggers. Sometimes, it's something simple, like eating food too late and going to bed too early, eating too much or eating too quickly. Spicy, acidic foods -- peppers, onions, garlic -- fried, greasy foods, caffeine and alcohol are also very common triggers," Dr. Hyatt said.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. Depending on how long you've had symptoms, it may be time for medication or a screening endoscopy, which allows the doctor to view pictures of your digestive tract.

View Dr. Hyatt’s interview about treating GERD.