Dr. Elizabeth Squirell · Gastroenterologist · Kingston Health Sciences Centre

Heartburn and reflux

Simple changes that ease heartburn and reflux, which ones work best, and when to see a doctor.

Key points

If you are above a healthy weight, losing weight is the best-proven way to ease reflux.
If reflux bothers you at night, raise the head of your bed with blocks or a wedge. Extra pillows don't do the same job.
Finish eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
If you smoke, stopping can ease reflux and helps your whole body.
Only cut out a food if it clearly gives you heartburn. You don't need to avoid foods that don't bother you.
If you need a PPI, take it 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Once you feel better, ask about taking less or stopping.
See a doctor soon if food gets stuck, you lose weight without trying, you keep vomiting, or you have low iron.

You vomit blood or something that looks like coffee grounds
Your stool (poop) is black and sticky like tar
Food is stuck and you can't swallow your own saliva
Chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain in your arm or jaw. It may be your heart, not reflux