Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an uncomfortable condition caused by stomach acid flowing into the esophagus. While occasional acid reflux is not uncommon, people with GERD tend to have a chronic problem that needs attention. If you experience acid reflux on a very regular basis, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor to see if you may have GERD. While GERD is very uncomfortable and can even be painful if the lining of your esophagus is severely irritated, the good news is that there are things that you can do to help. Use the following tips to help you manage GERD.

Lose Weight If Necessary

People who are not at a healthy weight may experience GERD more frequently. This is because carrying extra weight puts pressure on your abdomen, which makes it more likely for the stomach acid to flow upward into the esophagus. Many people who take the steps to lose weight and then maintain a healthy weight find that their GERD symptoms improve. 

Sleep With Your Head Propped Up

A lot of people who suffer from GERD report that their symptoms are worse at night when they are trying to sleep. If you find that your GERD gets worse when you are lying down, the best thing that you can do is ensure that your head is propped up. You can do this by placing something under your mattress at the head of the bed so the mattress is at an incline. You may also want to purchase a firm wedge pillow that will keep your head elevated. When your head and neck are propped up, stomach acid is less likely to flow into your esophagus so you will be able to sleep better.

Use Medications

There are a number of medications available that can help relieve the symptoms of GERD, and you can purchase them over the counter. Some of the medications that you may want to try include antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. In most cases, these types of medications will provide relief in a timely manner. In the event that over-the-counter medications do not help you, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor. A doctor can prescribe stronger medications that may be more effective in treating your GERD symptoms. The majority of people do not experience any type of negative side effects from medications designed to control GERD symptoms.