🔥 GERD (Acid Reflux)

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is GERD?

🔥 GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
It happens when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe (esophagus).

❓ What does acid reflux feel like?

You may feel:

• 🔥 Burning in the chest (heartburn)

• 😣 Sour or bitter taste in the mouth

• 🤢 Food or liquid coming back up

• 🤕 Chest or upper belly pain

• 😮‍💨 Cough or sore throat

❓ Why does GERD happen?

🚪 A small muscle at the bottom of the food pipe acts like a door.
If the door is weak, acid can leak up.

Common causes:

• 🍔 Large or fatty meals

• 🍫 Spicy foods or chocolate

• ☕ Coffee or soda

• ⚖️ Being overweight

• 🛌 Lying down too soon after eating

❓ Is GERD common?

👍 Yes. GERD is very common and affects many adults.

❓ Can GERD hurt my throat or food pipe?

⚠️ Yes, if GERD is not treated:

• The food pipe can get irritated

• Swallowing may become painful

• Long-term damage can happen

❓ How is GERD diagnosed?

🩺 Your doctor may:

• Ask about your symptoms

• Try medicine to see if symptoms improve

• Order tests like endoscopy if needed

❓ How is GERD treated?

✅ Lifestyle changes:

• 🥗 Eat smaller meals

• ⏱️ Don’t lie down for 2–3 hours after eating

• 🛌 Raise the head of your bed

• ⚖️ Lose weight if needed

• 🚫 Avoid trigger foods

✅ Medicines:

• 💊 Medicines that lower stomach acid

• 🧴 Antacids for quick relief

❓ What foods should I avoid?

🚫 Some foods can worsen GERD:

• 🍟 Fried or greasy foods

• 🌶️ Spicy foods

• 🍊 Citrus fruits

• 🍫 Chocolate

• ☕ Coffee and soda

❓ When should I see a doctor?

📞 Call your doctor if you have:

• Heartburn most days

• Trouble swallowing

• Chest pain

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

🩺 Key Messages

✅ GERD is common and treatable
✅ Lifestyle changes and medicines help
⚠️ Ongoing symptoms should be checked by a doctor