6 simple ways to prevent heartburn and GERD

Heartburn, and its more serious cousin gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may only be an inconvenience now, but it can get worse. Take it seriously — and try these strategies to discourage acid backwash.

• People who take sleeping pills, such as diazepam, alprazolam and triazolam, are up to 50 percent more likely to have GERD at night over those who don't take anything.
• Research has shown that these drugs loosen muscles in your esophagus, lowering your chances of a comfortable night's sleep.

A Swedish study found that long-time smokers had a 70 percent higher risk of heartburn and GERD than non-smokers. Smoking raises your risk four ways:

• It can weaken the the muscular valve at the bottom of your esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is responsible helps keep acid out of your esophagus.
• It may make you cough more, which puts pressure on LES.
• It reduces production of saliva, which normally neutralizes stomach acids that find their way into your esophagus.
• It boosts production of corrosive digestive acids.

• Three out of four people with asthma also have acid reflux.
• Coughing and difficulty exhaling may trigger the backwash of stomach acid into the esophagus.
• Asthma drugs that widen airways in the lungs may also relax the LES.
• Keeping your asthma under control can help, but if you still have acid reflux, tell your doctor.

• Drugs such as nizatidine, ranitidine and famotidine reduce acid levels in your stomach.
• Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter H2 blockers for two weeks to relieve symptoms or prescription-strength forms for long-term relief.
• Studies show that H2 blockers work best for people with mild to moderate reflux problems. They're less effective if your esophagus is inflamed or has already been damaged.
• If you know which foods or situations make heartburn flare up, taking an H2 blocker in advance may help you avoid discomfort, often better than taking an antacid afterwards.

• Drugs such as rabeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole and pantoprazole work by blocking production of about 90 percent of stomach acids.
• Doctors often prescribe Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) if H2 blockers don't bring relief, or if you have severe heartburn or esophageal damage.
• In one study of people with GERD, 78 percent of those who took a PPI saw damaged esophageal tissue heal in four to eight weeks.
• After about eight weeks, your doctor should check to see if your esophagus is healing and may cut back on your dosage.

• Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements can keep the LES from staying tightly shut.
• Prescription drugs include antibiotics, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, opioid pain relievers, osteoporosis drugs, sedatives and tranquilizers.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and supplements include iron, potassium and vitamin C.
• If you have heartburn or GERD, ask your doctor if any of these could be contributing to your discomfort and whether you should switch to another drug or remedy.

Heartburn and GERD let acid go where it doesn't belong. It causes pain that can be mild, or so bad you may think it's a heart attack. But with the right changes in your lifestyle, you can help your body recover and could reduce your chances of getting heartburn.