• A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) after eating a large meal, or when bending over, lifting a heavy object, or lying down
• A bitter or sour taste in the mouth – it happens when patients belch and causes complications in the esophagus, such as inflammation, bleeding and difficulty swallowing.
• Abdominal bloating, feeling of fullness, nausea, and vomiting after eating
• Chest pain, the sensation of a lump in the throat, and excessive throat clearing
• Asthma, dry cough, hoarseness and sore throat – these symptoms occur due to the backup of stomach acid into the throat and larynx, causing an inflammation of the voice box.
• In young children, symptoms include frequent vomiting after drinking milk, anemia, weight loss, growth failure, chronic coughing, asthma at night, and recurrent pneumonia. Some children may temporarily stop breathing during sleep.

A doctor will diagnose GERD and recommend a course of treatment when the above symptoms are observed. If the symptoms do not improve after following the doctor’s advice or receiving basic treatment, the following tests may be used to provide a more detailed diagnosis:

• Endoscopy
• Barium x-ray
• Nuclear medicine study
• Esophageal motility test
• Ambulatory pH test in the esophagus, which produces quick results

For most patients, the symptoms are not severe and can be reduced through the following simple lifestyle changes:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, fruit juices, sour and spicy food, fatty food, and chocolate
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Avoid eating a large meal for dinner, do not lie down immediately after a meal, wait at least 4 hours after eating before sleeping
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing or belts
• Eat smaller meals more often
• Sleep with your head raised at least 6 inches above the bed on a firm pillow
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid stress

• Medications can heal the esophagus and reduce acid production
• Surgery may be used in the following cases:
  • In situations where medications are not helpful and the symptoms persist
  • In situations where a patient cannot take medications for extended periods or experiences side-effects