Hyperacidity & GERD in the Philippines: Symptoms, Foods to Avoid & When to See a Doctor

"Hyperacidity" is the everyday word many Filipinos use for a burning feeling in the chest or upper stomach. Doctors usually call it acid reflux, which happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. If it keeps happening, it may be GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Common Symptoms

• Heartburn: a burning feeling behind the breastbone, often after eating or when lying down
• Sour or bitter liquid coming up into the mouth
• Burping, bloating, or feeling full quickly
• Pain or discomfort in the upper stomach
• A long-lasting dry cough, hoarse voice, or sore throat
• A feeling of a lump in the throat

Occasional heartburn is common. Symptoms that happen twice a week or more, or that disturb your sleep or daily life, are worth discussing with a doctor.

Is It Hyperacidity or a Heart Problem?

Heart-related chest pain can feel a lot like heartburn, and you cannot reliably tell them apart at home. Go to the ER right away if chest pain or pressure comes with any of these:

• Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat, nausea, or dizziness
• Pain that starts during activity or stress

Be especially careful if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, or if you smoke. Do not assume it is just "acid" because an antacid seemed to help. Read more in signs you should see a cardiologist.

Foods and Drinks That Often Trigger It

Triggers differ from person to person, so pay attention to what affects you. Common ones include:

• Fried and fatty food: lechon kawali, chicharon, crispy pata, fast food
• Coffee, especially on an empty stomach
• Softdrinks and other fizzy drinks
• Alcohol, including beer
• Spicy food: sili and spicy sawsawan
• Sour food for some people: citrus, tomato-based dishes, vinegar dips, sinigang
• Chocolate and peppermint

A short food diary for two weeks can show you which foods really matter, so you do not have to give up everything.

Habits That Help

• Eat smaller meals, and do not overeat
• Avoid lying down for 2 to 3 hours after eating
• Have your last meal earlier in the evening
• Raise the head of your bed if symptoms come at night
• Stop smoking
• Lose excess weight, especially around the waist
• Avoid tight belts and waistbands after meals

Medicines for Hyperacidity

Doctors and pharmacists may suggest:

• Antacids for quick, short-term relief
• H2 blockers, such as famotidine, to lower acid
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, for more frequent symptoms

Follow the label or your doctor's instructions. If you still need medicine after about two weeks, get checked instead of continuing on your own. Long-term use should be reviewed by a doctor. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate the stomach, so mention them if you take them often.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

See a doctor promptly if you have heartburn along with:

• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Repeated vomiting
• Anemia or unusual paleness and tiredness

Go to the ER if you vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, or if you pass black, tarry stools. These can be signs of bleeding.

What Could Happen if GERD Is Left Untreated?

Over time, acid can inflame the esophagus and cause ulcers or narrowing that makes swallowing difficult. In some people it can lead to changes in the lining of the esophagus called Barrett's esophagus, which raises the risk of esophageal cancer. Treatment lowers the chance of these problems.

Which Doctor Should You See?

A family medicine doctor or internist can treat most cases. A gastroenterologist is the right specialist if symptoms keep coming back or do not improve, or if you have warning signs. They may recommend an endoscopy to look inside your esophagus and stomach, or a test for H. pylori, a bacteria linked to ulcers. See also signs you need a gastroenterologist.

Find a gastroenterologist or find an internist near you on MyDoktor.ph.