GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)
PROBLEM
You have stomach acid or a feeling of heartburn
and acid brash.
CAUSE
Heartburn happens when stomach contents come back up into the throat. Diet, spicy foods, alcohol, pregnancy, and nervous tension can make it worse.
PREVENTION
A.Avoid smoking.
B.Avoid things that increase pressure on your stomach:
1.Straining causes more pressure on your stomach.
2.Coughing causes more pressure on your stomach.
3.Do not lie down or bend over for 3 hours after eating.
4.Do not wear tight clothes and belts.
C.Avoid medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which may irritate your stomach.
D.Avoid alcohol.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Weight loss is advised to relieve symptoms.
B.Stop smoking. It is never too late to stop smoking.
C.You may be instructed to elevate the head of your bed on 6-inch blocks, or sleep on a wedge bolster pillow.
D.Make a list of all of your medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products so that you can review them with your healthcare provider to help find any side effects that may cause your symptoms.
E.Take your medications at the correct times.
Activity: Postpone vigorous exercise until your stomach is likely to be empty, about 2 hours after eating.
Diet:
A.Eat a lower fat, bland diet.
B.Eat four to six small meals a day instead of three larger meals.
C.Do not eat 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
D.Avoid chocolate, garlic, onions, citrus fruits, coffee (including decaffeinated), alcohol, highly seasoned foods, and carbonated beverages.
E.Eat slowly.
Medications:
A.Sit or stand when taking solid medications (pills or capsules).
B.Drink at least 1 cup of liquid to help swallow pills.
C.When over-the-counter antacids and other medicines stop making your symptoms better, call the office to make an appointment for medications that decrease stomach acid.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.No relief from antacids or second medication, so that the next step of medication therapy may be prescribed.
B.New symptoms, such as blood in regurgitated stomach contents.
C.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE