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Bed blocks
Elevate the head of your bed 2-6 inches with wood blocks or bricks.
Using extra pillows is NOT a good substitue. Use of a foam wedge
beneath the upper half of the body is an alternative.
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Limit coffee
Limit coffee to 2-3 cups per day. Limiting consumption of other
caffeine containing beverages (tea, soft drinks) may also be helpful.
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Avoid foods that cause
your symptoms
Foods to avoid are: spicy and fatty foods, tomato and citrus juices
(such as grapefruit and orange juices), chocolate, mints,
coffee, tea, colas, and alcoholic beverages. Especially avoid
anything bubbly (carbonation)!!!
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Avoid tight clothing
Tight belts, tight pants, or girdles can increase the pressure
on the abdomen and stomach.
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Do not lie down for
2 hours after eating
Allow gravity to work. Also, avoid bending over at the waist to
pick up things. Bend at the knees instead.
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Antacids
Antacids can be taken at bedtime and 30-60 minutes after each meal
or as directed by your physician.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is inflammation
of the esophagus (swallowing tube) and often the larynx (voice box)
caused by acid refluxing or backing up from the stomach into
the esophagus. In many people this refluxing acid reaches all the
way up to the voice box and higher-- sometimes even into the back
of the mouth and nose.
