Patient was educated on relief measures and lifestyle modifications for management of gastroesophageal reflux disease as follows:
- Elevate head end of bed
- Elevating head end of bed with two pillows can help prevent attacks of GERD.
- Gravity that comes into play with elevation of head tends to keep the acid down in the stomach and out of esophagus, thus preventing attacks of GERD.
- Lose weight
- Overweight and obese individuals have more abdominal fat, which can exert pressure on the abdomen, making GERD more likely.
- So, losing weight can offer relief for symptoms of GERD in obese individuals.
- Eat small meals
- Big meals can exert more pressure in the abdomen and help force the acid contents up into the esophagus, precipitating attacks of GERD.
- Avoid having three big meals a day.
- Instead, having five or six small meals a day can help and offer relief for symptoms of GERD.
- Avoid eating close to bedtime
- Gravity acting on an upright individual helps to keep the acid in the stomach.
- Avoid going to bed too shortly after eating.
- Maintain an upright posture for at least 3 hours after a meal, before lying down flat.
