Living with esophagitis

If you have symptoms that you think may be due to reflux esophagitis you should consult your doctor, who can confirm the diagnosis and provide you with a treatment plan. Avoiding factors that make acid reflux worse may help reduce the symptoms of reflux esophagitis but is not an alternative to treatment.

• You may find it useful to keep a diary of your symptoms and the food you eat, so that you can see which foods affect you. 
  
  
• Avoid eating too close to bedtime. Try to leave at least 2–3 hours after a meal, before you go to bed. 
  
  
• Avoid lying down after meals. 
  
  
• Eat small regular meals. 
  
  
• If you are overweight, try to lose weight. 
  
  
• Do not wear tight clothing which may increase the pressure on you stomach. 
  
  
• Raising the head of your bed by 4–6 inches (12-15 cm) may help reduce night-time heartburn.