Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Troublesome Symptoms:

Symptoms that persist for greater than two weeks and affect quality of life.

  • Asthma
  • Chronic Cough
  • Chronic Hoarseness
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Alarm Symptoms

Symptoms that signal complications or alternative diagnosis.


Normally require immediate medical care and should not be treated at the self-care level.
  • Dysphagia
  • Frequent Vomiting
  • GI Bleeding
  • Anemia
  • Choking
  • Unexplained Chest Pain
  • Weight Loss

Lifestyle changes

  • Dietary changes
  • Medication changes
  • Elevate the head of bed
  • Weight reduction
  • Smoking cessation
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid tight fitting clothing
  • Avoid foods that decrease lower esophageal pressure (fats chocolate alcohol peppermint)
  • Avoid direct irritant foods (spicy foods acidic juices coffee)
  • Include protein-rich meals in diet (augments lower esophageal pressure)
  • Eat small meals and avoid eating prior to sleeping
  • Discontinue if possible medications that promote reflux (calcium channel blockers beta-blockers nitrates theophylline)
  • Take direct irritant drugs with water if they cannot be avoided (tetracyclines quinidine potassium iron aspirin NSAIDs
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