Skip Navigation

Display Mode:

  • Choose Default Style
  • Choose High Contrast
PAMF California South Asian Health Care
  • South Asian Home
  • About PRANA
  • PAMF Home
  • Risk Factors
  • Health Concerns
  • Healthy Choices
  • Support & Resources
  • Research Studies
Section TitleRisk Factors
  • Who's at Risk?
  • Determine Your Risk
  • Major Risk Factors
  • Health Concerns
  • Common Misconceptions
  • Being Proactive
    Main content

    Acid Reflux Disease

    Acid reflux disease, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is a very common condition in South Asians. Acid reflux occurs when the acid in the stomach flows backward into the esophagus, or swallowing tube.

    • Symptoms
    • Common Causes
    • Treatment

    Symptoms

    Common symptoms of acid reflux include:

    • Heartburn (burning pain behind the breastbone)

    • Sour taste in the back of the mouth
    Less common symptoms that may also be signs of acid reflux include:
    • Non-burning chest pain

    • Stomach pain (upper part of abdomen)

    • Persistent sore throat or hoarseness

    • Persistent cough

    • New onset asthma or asthma only at night

    • Nausea
    The following alarm symptoms may indicate more serious disease, which warrants immediate medical attention:
    • Difficulty swallowing

    • Choking sensation

    • Painful swallowing

    • Vomiting

    • Bleeding (vomiting blood or passing dark-colored stools)

    • Unexpected weight loss

    • Decreased appetite

    • Chest pain

    Back to top

    Common Causes

    Many of the following major risk factors for acid reflux are typical of a South Asian lifestyle:

    • Heavy late-night meals

    • Spicy foods

    • Fried foods and other foods rich in saturated fats

    • Caffeine intake, especially late in the day (such as afternoon tea)

    • Being overweight, especially around the stomach
    Pregnancy also increases one's risk of experiencing acid reflux.
    Back to top

    Treatment

    The following lifestyle changes are important for managing acid reflux:

    • Eat dinner earlier, at least three to four hours before going to bed
    • Prepare lighter dinners, with less spice and less fat
    • Eliminate caffeinated drinks, especially after 12 p.m.
    • Eat smaller meals to avoid overfilling the stomach
    • Restrict alcohol use
    • Quit smoking
    • Lose excess weight
    In addition to the above items, there are over-the-counter acid blockers and other medications that can help. Discuss these options with your physician.

    Last reviewed: 2012
    Back to top
    senior couple
    • Site Map
    • Website Feedback

    © 2013 Palo Alto Medical Foundation. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health®, Reg. U.S. Patent. & Trademark office. Serving communities in Fremont, Palo Alto, San Jose, Mountain View & Santa Cruz.