Recently diagnosed with GERD.....?

I was diagnosed with gerd last week. I do not have heartburn, but a sore throat, caughing and my esaphogus is infmaled. How many of you have this problem? Is it common and what are your tricks with the disease? Any special comfort foods? What do you avoid that makes GERD worse. THank you for your time.

Patients with mild symptoms are treated as needed with non-prescription remedies like antacids, a non-prescription H2 blocker, or the non-prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI), omeprazole (brand name: Prilosec OTC). For patients with more severe symptoms, or for those who do not respond adequately to non-prescription therapies, continuous treatment with a prescription-strength H2 blocker or PPI is recommended. H2 blockers and PPIs both work by decreasing the production of stomach acid that causes many of the symptoms of GERD. In patients where GERD may be due to slow movement of food through their gastrointestinal system, the next step is to try a pro-motility agent such as Reglan (metoclopramide) that increases the rate at which food moves throughout the gastrointestinal system. Maintenance therapy with an acid suppressing agent (like an H2 blocker, PPI, or antacid), a pro-motility agent, or both may be needed to control symptoms and prevent complications of GERD. It is recommended that you consult your doctor to decide which therapy is needed for you. In cases where the esophagus has been badly injured by GERD, or when medical therapy fails, surgery is considered on an individual basis. In April 2003, the Food and Drug Administration approved Enteryx, a permanently implanted device to help patients with symptoms of GERD. Enteryx must be inserted through a surgical procedure. This device prevents the reflux of stomach acid into the throat, potentially allowing patients with chronic GERD to avoid daily medications. Here are some of the foods that will not cause gastric problems:- Apple, fresh. Apple, dried. Apple juice. Banana. Baked potato. Broccoli. Cabbage. Carrots. Green beans. Peas. Minced beef, extra-lean. Steak, London Broil. Chicken breast, skinless. Egg whites. Egg substitute. Fish, no added fat Cheese, feta or goat. Cream cheese, fat-free. Sour cream, fat-free. Soy cheese, low-fat.Bread, mult-grain or white. Cereal, bran or oatmeal. Corn bread. Graham crakers. Pretzels. Rice, brown or white. Rice cakes. Mineral water. Salad dressing, low-fat. Cookie, fat-free. Jelly beans. Red licorice. Potato chips, baked. For more information you should consult a dietician.
Hope this helps
Matador 89

You can pick up an over-the-counter medication such as Zantac or Tagamet, even Pepcid or Prilosec. Also could use Gaviscon liquid which works well. It is very important that you treat this, because it can cause problems i nthe future. Elevate the head of your bed if you have problems with this at night. Put a couple of bricks under the head board. This is common. Spicy foods will make it worse, tomato, acidy foods, some fried foods, BBQ etc. Milk is good, soups, broiled foods. Don't eat 2-3 hours before bedtime. Hope this helps you. Alcohol and smoking also makes it worse.