Acid reflux happens when stomach acid goes back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Another term for acid reflux is "Gastric Reflux Disease" or GERD. What are the symptoms of acid reflux? The symptoms of this disease are: - Burning in the chest, which is known as heartburn.... - Burning in the throat or feeling the taste of acid in the throat... - Stomach or chest pain - Difficulty in swallowing - Having a sore voice or sore throat - Unexpected coughs Is there anything I can do to improve my symptoms? Yes, you may feel better by doing any of the following solutions: - Weight loss (if you are overweight) - Raise the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches (for example, by placing wooden or rubber blocks under the legs of the 2 beds or by using integrated foam under the mattress) Avoiding foods that make your symptoms worse (including coffee, chocolate, alcohol, peas, and fatty foods) - Reducing or completely stopping alcohol consumption - If you smoke, quit smoking - Avoid sleeping for 3 hours after eating What are the ways to treat acid reflux? There are several main types of medications that can help improve acid reflux symptoms: Antacids, surfactants, histamine blockers, and acid pump inhibitors all work by reducing or removing stomach acid, but each works in a different way. Antacids and surfactants can provide mild symptom relief, but are only good for short-term treatment. But compared to them, histamine blockers are more powerful. Medications are available over the counter... but there are other prescriptions that a doctor must prescribe... Is it necessary to see a doctor for acid reflux?... Some people can treat acid reflux by changing their eating and behavioral habits or by taking over the counter medications... - Your symptoms are severe or long lasting... You cannot control your symptoms on your own. - You have had these symptoms for years Also, if any of the following conditions occur, you should see a doctor.... - You have trouble swallowing or you feel that food is stuck in your throat.. - Chest pain - Feeling of suffocation when eating - Vomiting blood or red, black or tarry stools What to do if your child or teenager has acid reflux? If your child or teenager has stomach acid reflux, it is better to see a doctor and do not give the medicine for the treatment of stomach reflux to your child without a doctor's prescription and consultation with him... In children, stomach acid reflux may occur for various reasons... ================================= **\*Gastroenterologist in Mashhad\***