Manage Reflux Disease With Medication

• Whether you deal with mild or severe acid reflux, medications are available to reduce or stop the backflow of stomach contents. Acid reflux occurs when liquids or food in the abdomen travel up the esophagus into the throat. Several conditions can play a role in this condition, such as a hiatal hernia or weak esophageal muscles. But regardless of the underlying cause, over-the-counter antacids and prescription strength medications effectively reduce the production of stomach acid and neutralize stomach acid. Lessening stomach acid also decreases or stops reflux. Follow your doctor's instructions and take medications as directed.
  
  

Modify Diet to Control Acid Reflux

• Foods and drinks are common acid reflux triggers, and controlling this condition is often a matter of identifying foods that are known to increase the production of stomach acid. Problem foods may include fatty foods such as fast foods and fried foods. Other common triggers include spicy foods, acidic foods (tomatoes and citrus), chocolate, caffeine and onions. Symptoms of acid reflux normally appear after eating certain foods, but decreasing your consumption or completely eliminating trouble foods from your diet can drastically improve your condition or stop reflux disease completely.
  
  

Other Lifestyle Changes

• Along with medication and diet modifications, simple lifestyle changes can reduce the occurrence of acid reflux. If you are overweight, aim to lose a few pounds and maintain a healthy body weight to decrease reflux. Get active and exercise for at least 90 minutes a week, and make healthier food choices (less fat and fewer calories). Since reflux symptoms tend to worsen at night, don't eat before you go to bed or lie down. Wait at least two to three hours for your food to digest. This reduces the likelihood of reflux, wherein you're able to sleep without dealing with heartburn, coughing, vomiting and other reflux symptoms.