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Home >> GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) >> Living with GERD

Living with GERD/Acid Reflux

If you have symptoms of GERD you should consult your doctor. You should describe your symptoms, explain how troublesome you find them to be, and how they affect your daily life. Your doctor can then confirm the diagnosis and provide you with a treatment plan.

Avoiding factors that make acid reflux worse may help to reduce the symptoms of GERD but is not an alternative to treatment.

  • You may find it useful to keep a diary of your symptoms and the food you eat, so that you can see which foods affect you
  • Avoid eating too close to bedtime. Try to leave at least 2-3 hours after a meal, before you go to bed
  • Avoid lying down after meals
  • Eat small regular meals
  • Do not wear tight clothing which may increase the pressure on your stomach
  • Raising the head of your bed by 4-6 inches may help reduce night-time acid reflux.

  • The incidence of GERD increases after the age of 40
  • The pain and discomfort caused by heartburn and other GERD symptoms may interfere with:
    • manual work, housework, gardening and sport, because symptoms are often worse during physical activity
    • social occasions (such as eating with the family and friends), because symptoms are worse during and after meals
    • sleep, because symptoms are often worse when lying down
    • work, because symptoms disturb sleep and cause tiredness the following day.



This quick guide is supported by Astrazeneca.