When you wake up in the middle of the night choking on acid, it's easy to feel alone. But you're not alone. Millions of other people suffer from acid reflux. Another way you're not alone: There are lots of helpful resources available:
Your doctor: Tell your doctor all your symptoms, the severity of the symptoms, and how long you've experienced them. Your doctor may or may not recommend over-the-counter medications such as antacids, and may or may not prescribe medications. Either way, he's an ally in your battle against reflux. If your doctor doesn't take your symptoms seriously enough, find another physician.
American Academy of Family Physicians: The website of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is for physicians, but it also has information for patients. The site allows you to search for information alphabetically by condition (on the Diseases & Conditions tab on the home page). Look up "heartburn" for an overview of that condition and for treatment information.
American College of Gastroenterology: The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an esteemed professional organization for gastroenterologists. The ACG website has lots of very helpful information for patients, including information on acid reflux, Barrett's esophagus, and more. On the homepage, click the Patients tab and you'll see a wealth of resources. You can even find a local physician affiliated with the ACG using the Physician Finder.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is for dietitians, but like many of the other association websites in this list, it has helpful information for patients as well. Click the Public tab and then click Diseases, Allergies & Health Conditions.
American Gastroenterological Association: The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) serves gastroenterology professionals and offers public information as well. Click the Patient Center link. You'll see information on heartburn and a resource that helps you find an AGA member gastroenterologist in your area.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) is another reputable, trusted education source for gastrointestinal specialists. The society also advances gastrointestinal medicine. Its website has lots of good information for patients, including a video called, "What to Expect Before, During, and After an Upper Endoscopy." Start by clicking the Patients link on the home page.
Food and Drug Administration: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a lot on its plate. The administration's purpose is to keep the American public safe by monitoring the safety of — you guessed it — foods and drugs. The website covers a dizzying array of topics, including acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and heartburn, and includes information on related drugs and drug trials.
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: The name says it all — this site covers gastrointestinal disorders of the function, or mechanism, of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There's a bounty of information on acid reflux, GERD, and heartburn. These conditions are international, and so is the foundation. Reflux really gets around.
GIKids: This resource is great if you're trying to treat acid reflux in a child. Click the Reflux & GERD link for resources such as an educational GERD coloring book.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a government database of digestive-related topics, statistics and resources. The information is plentiful and trustworthy. Find the search box in the upper right of the home page and search on "acid reflux," "GERD," or "Barrett's esophagus." Dozens of articles and studies will appear.