Constant Heartburn? Why Your GERD Won't Stop & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you're dealing with constant heartburn, you're not alone. Persistent acid reflux is often a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a chronic condition that affects millions of adults.

Occasional heartburn after a heavy meal is common. But when symptoms happen multiple times a week, wake you at night, or interfere with daily life, it may be GERD.

The good news: GERD is treatable. The key is understanding why it's happening and what medically approved steps actually work.

---

What Is GERD?

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows backward into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach).

Normally, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts as a valve. It opens to let food into your stomach and then closes tightly. In GERD, that valve doesn't close properly or relaxes at the wrong time, allowing acid to escape upward.

Over time, repeated acid exposure can irritate and inflame the esophageal lining.

---

Why Your GERD Won't Stop

If your heartburn feels constant, there are several possible reasons.

1. Ongoing Triggers

Certain foods and habits weaken the LES or increase stomach pressure:

• Large meals
• Fatty or fried foods
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Spicy foods
• Eating late at night
• Lying down soon after eating

Even one or two of these habits, done regularly, can keep GERD active.

---

2. Excess Abdominal Pressure

Anything that increases pressure inside your abdomen can worsen reflux:

• Overweight or obesity
• Pregnancy
• Chronic coughing
• Tight clothing around the waist
• Constipation and straining

Weight loss — even 5–10% of body weight — has been shown in medical studies to significantly reduce GERD symptoms.

---

3. Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm. This can weaken the LES and make reflux harder to control.

Many people with GERD have a small hiatal hernia without realizing it.

---

4. Medication Factors

Certain medications may worsen GERD symptoms, including:

• Some blood pressure medicines
• Certain asthma medications
• Some antidepressants
• Sedatives
• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)

Never stop a medication without speaking to a doctor — but if your reflux began after starting something new, it's worth discussing.

---

5. Incomplete Treatment

Many people self-treat GERD with over-the-counter antacids. These can help temporarily, but they don't always control chronic reflux.

GERD often requires:

• Correct medication type
• Proper timing of doses
• Adequate duration of treatment

Taking medication incorrectly (for example, not before meals when required) can make it seem like nothing is working.

---

Symptoms That Suggest Ongoing GERD

Common symptoms include:

• Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Regurgitation of food or liquid
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
• Symptoms worse when lying down

If you're experiencing several of these symptoms and want clarity on whether they point to GERD, Ubie's free AI-powered Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) symptom checker can help you understand what might be happening and guide your next steps before seeing a healthcare professional.

---

Medically Approved Next Steps for GERD

If your GERD won't stop, here's what evidence-based medicine recommends.

---

1. Adjust Daily Habits

Lifestyle changes are often the first step and can be very effective.

What helps:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after eating
• Elevate the head of your bed by 6–8 inches
• Lose excess weight if recommended
• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Identify and reduce trigger foods

These changes may sound simple, but they can dramatically reduce reflux episodes.

---

2. Use the Right Medication the Right Way

There are three main types of GERD medications:

Antacids

• Provide quick, short-term relief
• Do not heal inflammation
• Best for occasional symptoms

H2 Blockers

• Reduce acid production
• Work longer than antacids
• Useful for mild to moderate symptoms

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• Strongly reduce stomach acid
• Most effective for healing esophageal inflammation
• Often prescribed for 4–8 weeks initially

PPIs work best when taken 30–60 minutes before a meal, usually breakfast.

If you've tried medication without improvement, speak to a doctor. The dose, timing, or type may need adjustment.

---

3. Get Proper Evaluation if Symptoms Persist

If GERD continues despite treatment, a doctor may recommend:

• Upper endoscopy to look at the esophagus
• Testing for complications
• Evaluation for other causes of symptoms
• Reflux monitoring studies

This is especially important if you experience:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain with swallowing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting blood
• Black stools
• Chest pain that could be heart-related

These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

---

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Persistent GERD

It's important not to panic — most GERD cases are manageable and do not become serious.

However, untreated long-term GERD can lead to:

• Esophagitis (inflammation)
• Narrowing of the esophagus (strictures)
• Barrett's esophagus (a change in the lining)
• Increased risk of esophageal cancer over many years

These complications are not common in everyone with GERD, but they are the reason ongoing symptoms deserve medical attention.

---

When to Speak to a Doctor Immediately

Seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Severe chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Vomiting blood
• Black, tarry stools
• Sudden difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss

Chest pain should always be taken seriously, as it may signal a heart problem rather than GERD.

If your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with your life, speak to a doctor. GERD is treatable — but proper diagnosis matters.

---

The Bottom Line

Constant heartburn is not something you just have to live with. GERD is common, manageable, and treatable, but ongoing symptoms usually mean something needs adjustment — whether that's lifestyle, medication, or further evaluation.

Start with:

• Identifying triggers
• Improving eating habits
• Using medication correctly
• Monitoring symptoms carefully

Before your doctor's appointment, it can be helpful to check your symptoms using a trusted tool like Ubie's free AI-powered Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) symptom checker — it takes just a few minutes and helps you arrive prepared with the right information.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor about persistent, severe, or potentially life-threatening symptoms. GERD is manageable — but the right treatment starts with the right diagnosis.