K.N.O.W. Home Health - GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

What is GERD?
GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It happens when stomach acid moves up into the food pipe (esophagus). This can cause a burning feeling in your chest, which people often call heartburn.

Causes of GERD:

Eating large meals
Lying down right after eating
Eating spicy or fatty foods
Drinking coffee, soda, or alcohol
Smoking
Being overweight
Some medicines

Symptoms of GERD:

Heartburn (a burning feeling in the chest)
Sour taste in the mouth
Trouble swallowing
Coughing or sore throat
Feeling like food is stuck in your throat

Treatment of GERD:

Taking medicines that lower stomach acid (like antacids, H2 blockers, or PPIs)
Losing weight if needed
Eating smaller meals
Avoiding trigger foods
Raising the head of your bed
Not lying down right after meals

Diet Tips:

Avoid spicy, fried, or fatty foods
Stay away from chocolate, peppermint, soda, coffee, and alcohol
Eat smaller meals more often
Don’t eat 2–3 hours before bed

Special Considerations:

GERD can damage the esophagus if not treated
Long-term GERD can lead to problems like ulcers or narrowing of the esophagus
GERD can affect sleep if you lie flat after eating

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor:

If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve with medicine
If swallowing becomes painful or hard
If you start losing weight without trying
If your cough gets worse or won’t go away

Go to the Emergency Room If:

You vomit blood or have black stools (signs of bleeding)
You have chest pain that feels like a heart attack
You feel like you can’t breathe or swallow

Patient Homework / Assessment

Directions: Read each statement. Circle True or False.

True / False – GERD means acid from the stomach goes up into the esophagus.
True / False – Heartburn is a common symptom of GERD.
True / False – Lying down right after eating can help GERD.
True / False – GERD can be caused by eating spicy or fatty foods.
True / False – GERD can cause coughing and a sore throat.
True / False – GERD only happens to people who are overweight.
True / False – Taking antacids can help treat GERD.
True / False – Drinking alcohol and coffee can make GERD worse.
True / False – It’s okay to eat a big meal right before going to bed.
True / False – You should raise the head of your bed if you have GERD.
True / False – GERD can cause damage to your esophagus if not treated.
True / False – It is good to eat small meals instead of large ones.
True / False – Chocolate and peppermint are safe foods for people with GERD.
True / False – Vomiting blood is a sign to go to the emergency room.
True / False – GERD can make it feel like food is stuck in your throat.
True / False – Losing weight can help reduce GERD symptoms.
True / False – GERD symptoms can include a sour taste in the mouth.
True / False – GERD cannot affect your sleep.
True / False – It is important to avoid soda if you have GERD.
True / False – GERD symptoms should always be ignored.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Do you often feel heartburn, chest discomfort, or a sour taste in your mouth after eating?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“Do your symptoms make it hard for you to sleep, eat, or do daily activities safely?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you taking your prescribed medicines, like antacids or acid reducers, exactly as your doctor told you?”

Preventive Measures:
“Are you avoiding foods and drinks that trigger your heartburn, eating smaller meals, and not lying down right after eating to help prevent symptoms?”