How to Prevent GERD Complications

Any medical condition when ignored, can lead to severe complications. There are several steps you can take that can drastically reduce your chances of developing gastro-esophageal reflux complications. First of all you must make a few lifestyle changes. You can significantly reduce the occurrence of symptoms by avoiding heartburn triggers and behaviors that contribute to acid reflux flare-ups, such as smoking, fatty or spicy foods, alcohol and acid beverages, big meals and stress. If your stomach takes too long to empty its contents, you must avoid fatty meals as fat delays gastric emptying. Esophageal complications of GERD include erosive esophagitis, esophageal stricture, Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma (cancer). Alongside these lifestyle changes, you have to take the prescribed medication. Your doctor may suggest to take antacids to relief heartburn symptoms, foaming agents to prevent reflux, H2 blockers to decrease acid production, or proton pump inhibitors to reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.