The Center for Gerd Care - Acid Reflux Symptoms and Treatments

Pediatric GERD may go undiagnosed for months

GERD symptoms shown to intensify during pregnancy

Find out how pregnancy can affect GERD and Acid Reflux

IN THE NEWS

A recent study found that people who are overweight or obese may be up to six times more likely to have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) than people who are of normal body weight. The association was strongest among heavy, pre-menopausal women and women who have used hormone therapy, suggesting that estrogen may play a role in the development of the medical condition.

Both obesity and GERD raise the risk of developing esophageal cancer, the incidence of which has also been rising in the last few years.

If traditional weight loss methods don't work and you've considered gastric bypass surgery or lap band surgery as an option for permanent weight loss, keep in mind that studies suggest that weight reduction may be an effective means of minimizing reflux symptoms.

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Pregnancy and GERD / Acid Reflux

How will pregnancy affect my GERD?

More than one-half of all pregnant women report symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, particularly during their third trimester. GERD occurs during pregnancy because your digestive system works more slowly due to changing hormone levels. Also, your enlarged uterus can crowd your stomach, pushing stomach acids upward.

If you were already experiencing symptoms of GERD before you became pregnant, you can expect the symptoms to intensify during pregnancy.

Here are some ways you can reduce your symptoms:

Eat several small meals each day instead of three large ones.
Eat slowly.
Drink warm liquids such as herbal tea.
Avoid fried, spicy or rich foods, or any foods that seem to increase GERD symptoms.
Don't lie down directly after eating.
Keep the head of your bed higher than the foot of your bed. Or, place pillows under your shoulders to prevent stomach acids from rising into your chest.
Try heartburn relievers such as Tums, Maalox, Titralac, Mylanta, Riopan or Gaviscon.

If your heartburn persists, see your physician. He or she may prescribe medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.

GERD (Acid Reflux) and Pregnancy

Most pregnant women have symptoms of GERD (acid reflux), especially heartburn, during pregnancy. Acid reflux symptoms can begin at any time during a pregnancy. Very often, these symptoms grow worse as the pregnancy progresses.

Why Does Heartburn Occur During Pregnancy?

Heartburn is very common during pregnancy. Heartburn occurs when hormones cause the digestive system to slow down. Hormones also cause the muscles that push food down the esophagus to slow down during pregnancy. In addition, as the uterus grows, it pushes on the stomach and sometimes forces stomach acid up into the esophagus.

Heartburn is common during pregnancy but it rarely causes complications. In rare instances, inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) or harm to the fetus can occur. Usually, GERD symptoms such as heartburn improve or disappear once the baby is born.

Common Heartburn Treatments for Pregnant Women

Heartburn treatments for pregnant women are similar to treatment for non-pregnant women who have GERD. Making lifestyle changes and avoiding certain nonprescription medications can provide significant relief. Try these useful tips first:

Avoid lying down right after eating.
Avoid eating certain foods that may make heartburn worse (click here for a list of foods commonly associated with GERD).
Elevate the head of your bed
Use nonprescription antacids for relief of heartburn symptoms. Pregnant women should avoid antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate because they can lead to fluid retention. Antacids that contain calcium carbonate (such as Tums) are acceptable for pregnant women.

Prescription Drug Treatment for Pregnant Women with GERD

Some health professionals recommend a prescription drug such as sucralfate for treating acid reflux symptoms during pregnancy. Although some prescription drugs are safe for use during pregnancy, others are generally not recommended.

DO NOT use these prescription and nonprescription drugs without discussing them with your health professional:

Acid reducers, such as cimetidine (for example, Tagamet) or ranitidine (for example, Zantac).
Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (for example, Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid, for example).

There are several different categories of drugs used to treat GERD (acid reflux).Click here for more information about H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and promotility agents.

Click here to find a nearby GERD specialist who is up-to-date on the latest advances in heartburn treatments.