Living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be difficult, but the available treatment options for managing the issue are very effective and make it possible to live a relatively normal life. However, there are certain things that many people enjoy that can trigger an increase in the severity of symptoms caused by GERD, like consuming alcohol.

Enjoying a few drinks with your friends or family is something that a lot of people enjoy and is a very common weekend activity. Unfortunately, those who suffer from GERD may find that having a few drinks is quite painful.

While the correlation between alcohol consumption and an increase in the symptoms caused by GERD is still being studied, there are a few tips out there that you can use to prevent triggering a painful episode.

For most people living with GERD, having a drink or two will not cause any major problems. Problems can begin to occur if you drink too much and too frequently.

You should try to avoid having drinks close to bedtime. Enjoying your drinks three to four hours before bed can reduce the likelihood of experiencing any issues. You should also pay attention to your own body and how it reacts to different types of drinks. You may notice that drinking beer can cause issues but drinking wine does not, or vice versa. The key is to avoid what worsens your symptoms as they are different for everyone.

Remember to listen to your body and pay attention to how much and what you are drinking. Doing this can keep a fun night out from turning into a painful situation. If you need help managing your GERD, contact the Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery to schedule a consultation with board-certified general surgeon Dr. Reginald Bell.