Sit upright or stand for 30–60 minutes
Avoid lying down, bending over, or heavy lifting
Loosen tight clothing around the abdomen
Sip water or chew sugar-free gum
Drink 1–2 tablespoons of antacid liquid or use antacid tablets as directed
Use an alginate antacid product (forms a barrier) as directed
If symptoms are frequent, use an H2 blocker (famotidine) as directed
If symptoms persist for several days, consider a PPI (omeprazole/esomeprazole) as directed
Eat small, bland meals; avoid large meals
Avoid trigger foods: spicy, fatty/fried, chocolate, peppermint, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, tomato-based foods, garlic/onion, carbonated drinks
Stop eating 2–3 hours before bed
Elevate the head of the bed 6–8 inches using blocks or a wedge (not just extra pillows)
If you smoke, avoid smoking until symptoms resolve
Use slow, smaller sips of fluids during episodes
If you have a known medication trigger, ask a clinician/pharmacist about alternatives
Seek urgent care if chest pain/pressure, trouble breathing, sweating, fainting, or pain radiating to arm/jaw occurs
Seek urgent care if vomiting blood, black/tarry stools, severe or worsening difficulty swallowing, or unintentional weight loss occurs
Contact a clinician if symptoms occur more than twice per week, last more than 2 weeks despite treatment, or require frequent antacid use