PP
1
1
Mild severity
· Gastroenterology
GERD
Acid reflux · Heartburn
Stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, causing heartburn and regurgitation. Long-term, it can damage the esophagus and even cause cancer.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Affects 20–30% of Indians
- Typical age
- Adults
- Outlook
- Manageable
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified Gastroenterology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Hiatal hernia
- Obesity
- Spicy food, citrus, chocolate
- Smoking, alcohol
- Large late meals
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Burning chest pain (heartburn)
- Sour acid in mouth
- Worse lying down or bending
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing (alarm)
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- PPIs (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
- Antacids and alginate
- Weight loss if obese
- Head-of-bed elevation
- Anti-reflux surgery if refractory
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Lose 5–10% weight if overweight
- Avoid late heavy meals
- Limit alcohol, coffee, citrus
- Quit smoking
- Sleep with head elevated
Do’s
- Eat smaller meals
- Finish dinner 3 hrs before bed
- Wear loose clothing
- Track personal trigger foods
Don’ts
- Lie down right after meals
- Drink alcohol with spicy food
- Smoke after meals
- Ignore difficulty swallowing
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.