Patricia Raymond

There are many opinions out there about how to treat acid reflux. It can get confusing! Particularly confusing is the fact that what triggers one person's reflux may not trigger yours. This Cheat Sheet breaks down the bulk of what you need to know so you can reduce your reflux without getting a headache.What causes acid reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious, chronic, or longer-lasting form of acid reflux. Although heartburn and acid reflux are extremely common, with almost everyone experiencing them at least once, GERD is less prevalent. Approximately 15 million Americans report experiencing GERD symptoms on a daily basis.

Coughing may not sound like a big deal. Everyone coughs from time to time. Yes, it can hurt and make your throat feel raw and dry, but it’ll feel better in a few days, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case for many people with acid reflux–related coughs. First, the discomfort and irritation that results from constant coughing can be more severe.

Acid reflux is dangerous because it's linked with several serious, life-threatening medical conditions. One of the more serious conditions associated with reflux is esophageal stricture (a narrowing of the esophagus). This condition can make it difficult to swallow and may require surgery. Even more serious is Barrett's esophagus, a mutation of the cells that line the esophagus.

The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly applies to acid reflux: It's better to prevent acid reflux than to treat it. When you get acid reflux, if you keep doing whatever gave you the ailment, you'll keep getting the ailment, and eventually there will be consequences beyond discomfort and pain.

The terms acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference among these three digestive disorders: Acid reflux is the reason you have heartburn. It is the underlying condition that allows stomach acid to escape into the esophagus. Reflux is the result of a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Acid reflux is the result of a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a small ring of muscles between the esophagus and stomach. When functioning correctly, it opens to allow food and fluid to pass down into the stomach, and then closes promptly. Acid is not supposed to flow upward — and when it does, reflux.

Exercise can be a big help to acid reflux sufferers. Which reflux sufferers can benefit most from exercise? Those who are overweight. Exercise promotes a healthy weight, and a healthy weight is important for preventing heartburn and for reducing it in people who already have it. Excess weight puts too much pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and that pressure can cause acid reflux.

When you're at home you have total control over what you're eating. When venturing out, however, avoiding reflux trigger foods is harder. When you know where you're going to eat, do a few minutes of online research. Take the time to examine the menu and decide what you're going to have before you get to the restaurant.