Living with Reflux Disease: Understanding and Treating GERD with St. Mary’s Health Care System

Recognizing the Symptoms of GERD

Understanding the signs of reflux disease is the first step toward managing it effectively. Common symptoms include:

• Heartburn: A burning sensation in your chest, often after eating or when lying down.
• Regurgitation: The sensation of acid or food coming back up into your throat or mouth.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Feeling like food is stuck in your throat.
• Chronic Cough or Sore Throat: Persistent irritation from stomach acid.
• Chest Pain: Sometimes mistaken for heart issues, chest pain can be caused by acid reflux.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to prevent potential complications.

Managing Reflux Disease: Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle adjustments can make a big impact on managing GERD symptoms:

• Diet Modifications: Avoid trigger foods like spicy dishes, citrus fruits, and fatty or fried foods. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on the stomach.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put pressure on your stomach, worsening reflux symptoms.
• Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Raising the head of your bed by a few inches can help prevent nighttime reflux.
• Avoid Lying Down After Eating: Wait at least 2-3 hours after meals before lying down to give your body time to digest.
• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol intake can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to flow back up.

Medical Treatments for GERD

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medical treatments can provide relief and prevent complications:

• Over-the-Counter Antacids: Quick relief for mild symptoms.
• H2 Blockers or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Medications that reduce acid production and promote healing.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, procedures like fundoplication can strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.

Make an Appointment with a Specialist Today!

Compassionate Care Close to Home

At St. Mary’s Health Care System, our team is here to support you with comprehensive care options for managing reflux disease.

Primary Care Practices:

• Athens Internal Medicine Associates – Athens, GA
• Community Internal Medicine of Athens – Athens, GA
• Georgia Family Medicine – Watkinsville, GA
• Good Samaritan Primary Care – Greensboro, GA
• Sacred Heart Primary Care – Lavonia, GA
• St. Mary’s Family Medicine – Bogart, GA
• St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates – Athens, GA
• St. Mary’s Primary Care – Athens, GA

Specialty Care for Advanced Treatment:

• Athens General & Colorectal Surgeons – Athens, GA
• Athens General & Colorectal Surgeons – Greensboro, GA
• Sacred Heart General Surgery – Lavonia, GA

View All St. Mary's Medical Group Locations

Take Control of Your Digestive Health

Living with reflux disease doesn’t have to mean living with constant discomfort. St. Mary’s Health Care System is here to help you navigate your symptoms, find effective treatments, and get back to living your life with ease. Reach out to one of our locations to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward relief.