GERD or acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including:² 

• A burning sensation in the chest, often called heartburn. Usually happens after eating and might be worse while lying down.

• Backwash of food or sour liquid in the throat.

• Upper belly or chest pain.

• Trouble swallowing, called dysphagia.

• Sensation of a lump in the throat.

• An ongoing cough.

• Inflammation of the vocal cords, known as laryngitis.

• New or worsening asthma symptoms.

Acid reflux is the term used for when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is when acid reflux occurs repeatedly over time and irritates the lining of the esophagus.³ 

Indigestion is a broader term that encompasses uncomfortable symptoms after eating like burning in the stomach or abdomen, abdominal pain, bloating, belching and gas, nausea and vomiting, acidic taste or stomach growling. The symptoms can be caused by an underlying condition like GERD or may occur unrelated to any condition.⁴

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a circular band of muscles around the bottom of the esophagus, is relaxed or weakened. This allows stomach acid to get into the esophagus and cause irritation.

Certain conditions can increase the risk of GERD or acid reflux, including:

• Obesity.

• A hiatal hernia (bulging at the top of the stomach).

• Pregnancy.

• Connective tissue disorders.

• Delayed stomach emptying.

There are certain behaviors and foods that can cause acid reflux,including:⁵ 

• Smoking.

• Overeating.

• Eating late at night.

• Alcohol.

• Coffee.

• Certain medications.

The duration of symptoms from GERD or acid reflux will vary from person-to-person and day-to-day. Acid reflux may be an occasional occurrence. GERD is a chronic condition that can last indefinitely without proper treatment.⁶

GERD is a chronic condition that can cause heartburn symptoms every day. It could be an underlying condition, or it could be lifestyle factors that are triggering your acid reflux. If you have constant heartburn, please seek treatment.⁷

An individual instance of acid reflux can go away on its own. GERD, a chronic condition, will usually need treatment or lifestyle changes to reduce or stop symptoms.⁸ 

You can prevent GERD and acid reflux symptoms with behavior and lifestyle changes, including:

• Do not lie down soon after eating.

• Elevate the head of your bed.

• Quit smoking.

• Lose weight.

• Avoid tight fitting garments.

• Use gum or lozenges to produce more saliva.

There are also foods to avoid with GERD, including:⁹

• Fried or fatty foods.

• Acidic foods like citrus or tomatoes.

• Coffee.

• Alcohol.

• Chocolate.

• Whole milk or full fat dairy.

GERD is difficult to cure, but with lifestyle changes, diet changes and medication – most people can find relief from symptoms. The only permanent cure is a surgical procedure, the Nissen fundoplication, to wrap the upper part of your stomach around the lower esophagus. This strengthens the anti-reflux barrier and can provide permanent relief from reflux.¹⁰

1. National Library of Medicine

2. Mayo Clinic  

3. Mayo Clinic

4. University of Texas

5. Mayo Clinic

6. Harvard Health

7. Cleveland Clinic

8. Cleveland Clinic

9. Harvard Health

10. John Hopkins

Treatment for GERD and acid reflux is often a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Medications for acid reflux or GERD include:¹¹

• Antacids. Antacids like Tums® or Rolaids® help to neutralize stomach acid. Available over the counter (OTC) and are good for occasional relief.

• Histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers). H2 blockers, like famotidine (generic Pepcid®), reduce stomach acid by blocking histamine, the chemical that triggers stomach acid production. H2 blockers are available OTC and by prescription.

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPIs, like omperazole (generic Prilosec®) or pantoprazole (generic Protonix®), reduce acid, promote healing and are the most effective at stopping acid reflux and GERD symptoms in the long-term. PPIs are available OTC and by prescription.

In severe cases of GERD, when other treatments haven’t been successful, there is a surgical option. The Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure to wrap the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus. This strengthens the anti-reflux barrier and can provide permanent relief from acid reflux^.12

Occasional heartburn or acid reflux can be treated with antacids as needed. GERD may need to be treated long term with medications like H2 blockers, such as famotidine (generic Pepcid®), or PPIs, such as pantoprazole (generic Protonix®).¹³

Yes, GERD and acid reflux can be treated at home with OTC medications, lifestyle changes or dietary changes. Some at-home remedies for acid reflux include:¹⁴

• OTC medications like antacids (Tums®), H2 blockers (famotidine) and PPIs (pantoprazole).

• Low-fat dairy products like skim milk or yogurt.

• Ginger tea.

• Warm lemon water with honey.

• Watery foods like watermelon, cucumbers and lettuce.

• Alkaline foods like bananas, cauliflower and nuts.

• Baking soda.¹⁵

If left untreated, GERD can cause serious and even life-threatening complications, including:¹⁶ 

Esophagitis. This is when acid reflux causes inflammation and irritation to the esophagus which can lead to internal bleeding, erosion of the tissue, narrowing of the esophagus and scarring.

Barrett’s esophagus. This is when the cells of the esophagus change to abnormal and increase the risk for esophageal cancer.¹⁷ 

Yes! RedBox Rx offers prescriptions for GERD and acid reflux medications online. Start an easy online assessment and one of our licensed providers will determine if medication is right for you.

11. Cleveland Clinic  

12. John Hopkins

13. Cleveland Clinic

14. John Hopkins

15. Mayo Clinic

16. National Library of Medicine

17. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

View our telehealth and online pharmacy FAQs here.