Acid reflux affects many people and can be very painful and uncomfortable. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is referred to as GERD. Gastro esophageal reflux is normal and occurs after eating. People with GERD, experience too much of this reflux. Some common symptoms are heartburn, regurgitation, nausea and vomiting. People with severe and complicated GERD may experience ulcers, strictures, cough and asthma, Barrett's esophagus, inflammation of the throat and lungs, infection of the lungs, fluid in the sinuses and middle ears and more. There are different procedures that can be performed to see if your problems are being caused by acid reflux disease. These may include an endoscopy, biopsy, x-rays, acid testing and more. Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, order some tests and may try a medication to see if it helps. Studies have shown that the condition has a 20% placebo effect. This means that 20% of the people who have it can be treated with a placebo and be fine. For the other percentages, real medications and treatments will be needed. In addition to medication, you may need to make some lifestyle changes so that you are a healthier person. You may need to change your diet, your sleeping patterns as well as reduce stress factors in your life. You may need to elevate your upper body at night. You may need to eat smaller meals more frequently through the day and you may need to alter the types of foods you are eating. Some acidic foods may cause worse reactions in the acid reflux. You should not eat before going to bed and never lie down after eating. Antacids remain a great way to help and some people say that chewing gum can be helpful since it creates more saliva. You may also need to resort to prescription drugs and in some cases, even surgery to help treat your problem.
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