Sometimes, stomach acid goes up into your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. Thatâs called heartburn.
If itâs also an issue, sleep with your head slightly raised. It may also help to avoid or limit:
Peppermint, chocolate, garlic, and tomatoes
Tight clothes
Meals within 2 or 3 hours of bedtime
Lying down right after a meal
Instead:
Sleep on your left side.
This position seems to help reduce nighttime heartburn symptoms
Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight clothes, especially near your waist, can put pressure on your stomach, leading to heartburn symptoms.
Chew gum. Chewing gum encourages the production of saliva, which can soothe your esophagus and wash acid down into your stomach. Choose a flavor other than peppermint, which may worsen heartburn in some people.
While the main symptom of GERD is reflux, a number of symptoms may accompany this condition.
Heartburn: A painful burning sensation in the chest is the most common symptom
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Merck Manual
First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers.
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of GERD, but not all cases of GERD involve heartburn.
Regurgitation: Another common symptom of GERD is regurgitation, which means a small amount of stomach acid and sometimes bits of food come up into the mouth or back of the throat.
Sore throat: When stomach acid rises to the mouth and throat, it can cause coughing and a feeling of choking. This often leads to a sore throat and, for some people, difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia.
Chest pain: On top of the discomfort from heartburn, GERD can cause radiating chest pain