Acid Reflux Q&A

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is when the acid in your stomach flows backward into your esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach). Acid reflux tends to cause heartburn, a burning feeling in your chest.

What causes acid reflux?

It’s common for people to have acid reflux once in a while when they:

• Eat a big meal
• Lie down right after eating
• Drink coffee or alcohol
• Eat spicy food

What if I have chronic (ongoing) acid reflux?

When someone has acid reflux a few times a week or more, this is called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). A clinician might also diagnose someone with GERD if acid reflux is damaging their esophagus, even if they don’t often experience symptoms.

Symptoms of GERD can include:

• Heartburn, particularly after eating or while lying down
• Backwash of food or sour liquid in the throat
• Upper belly or chest pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Feeling of a lump in the throat
• A cough that won't go away

If you experience any of these symptoms a few times a week or more, reach out to your Firefly care team for guidance.

What can I do to prevent acid reflux?

There are several lifestyle changes that can help prevent acid reflux and manage GERD:

• Quit smoking
• Avoid foods that trigger reflux (e.g., alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks, fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, or peppermint)
• Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly
• Don’t lie down after eating
• Elevate your head when sleeping
• Start on your left side when you go to bed
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing
• Maintain a healthy weight

What can I do to treat acid reflux when it happens?

Over-the-counter medicines can help ease symptoms:

• Antacids, like Tums or Maalox
• Medicines that limit acid production, like cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC) and nizatidine (Axid)

If you find yourself using over-the-counter heartburn medicines a few times a week or more, reach out to your Firefly care team to discuss the right treatment plan for you.

Reference: Mayo Clinic. (September 25, 2025). Acid reflux and GERD: The same thing? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/expert-answers/heartburn-gerd/faq-20057894