Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - FAQ

A: You may make several dietary and lifestyle changes to try and treat your GERD without using medications.

A: GERD is one of the most common reasons why you might experience a persistent cough. If you have a GERD-induced cough, you are less likely to experience other symptoms, such as heartburn.

Your chronic cough may be caused by GERD if you:

• Cough mostly at night
• Cough mostly after a meal
• Cough frequently while you are lying down
• Cough even when your chest X-rays are normal
• Do not have other common causes of coughing, such as smoking or taking medications

If you suspect that you are experiencing GERD cough, you should make an appointment with a doctor for a diagnosis.

A: The most common pain caused by GERD is heartburn or chest pain. Some people experience it with such intensity that they worry it could be a heart attack. However, GERD chest pain usually feels like it is under your skin and seems to radiate from your stomach.

To alleviate pain related to heartburn, try:

• Loosening your belt and waistbands
• Chewing on over-the-counter antacids
• Sitting upright.

A: GERD is a chronic condition that may cause symptoms for weeks or months.

A: Yes, GERD can cause shortness of breath if stomach acid creeps up your oesophagus and enters your lungs. This can:

• Irritate your airways, especially during sleep
• Trigger asthmatic reactions.

A: Compared to GERD, anxiety is a more likely cause of heart palpitations.

However, your GERD can indirectly cause heart palpitations if your symptoms and discomfort have been making you feel anxious.