What’s Gerd?

Monday, Jul 21, 2025

Pizza, chocolate, beer, soda, Red Bull, late nights, greasy food, and stress - this is the reality of college life for many students. While some of these habits should be minimized, they are common and can significantly contribute to the development of gastric reflux disease (GERD).

GERD, formally known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a digestive disorder where stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and chronic cough or sore throat.

Do you have any of these symptoms? Consider visiting a provider at Florida Atlantic Student Health Services. According to Susanne DiGilio, a Certified Medical Assistant at the clinic, “To keep GERD at bay, eat small meals throughout the day, stay upright after you dine, and give your stomach some time—before you recline.”

• Eat light meals to reduce stomach pressure,
• Sit upright after eating to prevent reflux,
• Rest tight by allowing time before lying down.

Prevention is a great way to avoid GERD. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding spicy and fatty meals can help reduce the risk. Above all, don’t ignore symptoms. Untreated GERD may cause long-term complications. If prevention does not alleviate symptoms, medications may be prescribed for severe cases.

To learn more about how to manage your GERD or to speak with a provider if you have any of the symptoms, students are encouraged to make an appointment at Florida Atlantic’s Student Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment, visit https://shs-portal.fau.edu or call or visit one of our clinic locations: