General information, not medical advice
This page is educational and does not replace guidance from your licensed provider or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or supplement without talking to them first.
Why it can happen
When the stomach empties more slowly, food and acid stay in it longer and pressure can build. That can allow stomach contents to move up into the oesophagus, which is felt as heartburn or reflux.
Reflux that does not improve with everyday measures, or that comes with difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or chest pain, needs medical attention.
Everyday measures
General habits that many people find helpful. None of these replaces advice from your provider or pharmacist.
Smaller meals
Several smaller meals rather than large portions reduce stomach pressure.
Common triggers
Fried or fatty food, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, tomato, mint, and very spicy food are frequent triggers.
Timing and posture
Finishing meals two to three hours before lying down and staying upright after eating.
At night
Raising the head of the bed and avoiding tight clothing around the abdomen.
Options to raise with your provider or pharmacist
Over-the-counter and prescription options exist in several categories. Ask which, if any, is appropriate for you and how to take it — this page does not give doses.
- Antacids, for occasional symptoms. Antacids can affect the absorption of some other medications; a pharmacist can advise on spacing.
- H2 blockers (for example famotidine).
- Proton pump inhibitors (for example omeprazole), which are generally used under medical guidance.
Tell your provider before starting any new product, and mention every medication and supplement you already take.
Habits that may help
- Chewing gum after meals increases saliva, which some people find soothing.
- Not smoking.
- Keeping a note of foods and timing that seem to trigger symptoms.
When to contact your provider
Contact your provider if you have:
- Symptoms that do not improve with everyday measures.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Vomit containing blood, or black or tarry stools.
Chest pain can have causes other than reflux. For chest pain, pressure, or shortness of breath, call 911.
References
- Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ. ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34807007/
- Kaltenbach T, Crockett S, Gerson LB. Are lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? An evidence-based approach. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(9):965-971. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16682569/
- Nauck MA, Quast DR, Wefers J, Meier JJ. GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes – state-of-the-art. Mol Metab. 2021;46:101102. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33068776/