- Your heartburn is happening at least 2x a week
- You have frequent heartburn accompanied by weight loss, food sticking in your throat or lumps in your throat
Left untreated, GERD can damage the esophagus and lead to esophagitis and dyspepsia.
Treatment
If you exhibit the above symptoms, see your doctor. The doctor can usually make a GERD diagnosis simply off of hearing what your symptoms are, however, there some more complex diagnostic tests that can be performed if your symptoms are more severe.
To immediately treat heartburn and GERD the doctor may prescribe antacids, H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. For long-term relief, lifestyle changes are the best medicine. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, eating smaller meals and not eating right before bed are all suggested treatments.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Heart Health center for more articles and tips.