Discharge Instructions for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

You have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube (esophagus).

Home Care

• Maintain a healthy weight. Get help to lose any extra pounds.

• Avoid lying down after meals.

• Avoid eating late at night.

• Elevate the head of your bed by 6 inches. You can do this by placing wooden blocks under the head of your bed.

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes.

• Avoid foods that might irritate your stomach, such as the following:

  • Alcohol

  • Fat

  • Chocolate

  • Caffeine

  • Spearmint or peppermint

• Talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications. These medications can make GERD symptoms worse:

  • Calcium channel blockers

  • Theophylline

  • Anticholinergic medications such as oxybutynin and benzatropine

• Begin an exercise program. Ask your doctor how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities, such as walking or gardening.

• Break the smoking habit. Enroll in a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success.

• Limit alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks a day.

• Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.

• Avoid over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

• If possible, avoid nitrates (heart medications such as nitroglycerin and Isordil).

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.