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Diplomate, American Board Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Adult and Pediatric ENT – Facial Plastic Surgery – Hearing and Balance – Snoring and Sleep Apnea

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Tips for Preventing Gastroesophanageal Reflux

  1. Place bricks or wooden blocks under the head of your bed to elevate it 4 to 6 inches to produce a gentle incline as shown (This allows gravity to keep the acid down).



  2. The following list should be avoided because these substances promote reflux:
    Cigarettes, Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, Spicy Foods, Fatty Foods, Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce, Spearmint, Peppermint, and Citrus Juices.

  3. Eat small meals (A full stomach promotes reflux)

  4. Avoid eating 3-4 hours prior to bedtime (This allows your stomach to empty before you lay down to sleep)

  5. Avoid tight fitting garments (Pressure on the abdomen promotes reflux)

  6. Consider weight loss (Abdominal fat pushes on the stomach and promotes reflux)

  7. Take
    • Maalox or Mylanta one hour after meals and at bedtime
    • Maalox or Mylanta - gargle and swallow slowly one hour after meals and at bedtime
    • Zantac, Pepcid, Axid, or Tagamet as prescribed
    • Prilosec or Prevacid as prescribed