GERD: Controlling heartburn by changing your habits
Why is it important to include lifestyle changes in treating GERD?
Although changes to your lifestyle probably will not cure your gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), they can provide some relief from symptoms and make you more comfortable. Heartburn, the main symptom of GERD, can cause significant pain and discomfort during the day, keeping you from being productive at work and from leading an active life at home. Changes to your lifestyle that reduce GERD symptoms can help you stay focused at your job and make other activities more enjoyable.
In addition to discomfort during the day, GERD symptoms can keep you awake at night and can affect your sleep in the long term. Changing your sleeping position and habits can help you avoid GERD symptoms at night, allowing you to sleep better.
GERD symptoms that go untreated or persist despite treatment can turn into more serious problems. GERD can cause irritation, inflammation, or wearing away (erosion) of the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis), as well as crater-shaped sores (ulcers) in the lining of the esophagus. Some people who have symptoms of GERD may develop a condition called Barrett's esophagus that can lead to cancer of the esophagus.
Test Your Knowledge
Continue to
How can I modify my lifestyle to relieve symptoms of GERD?
Return to
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: March 31, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
 | ||
| |