GERD very bad at night

I have been on various acid reducing drugs for going on 15 years now. Sometimes I sleep so deep that the acid goes up my throat and gets into my lungs. I wake up choking and throwing up and start to panic. My throats burns so bad that I can not breathe. I can only imagine the damage to my lungs from the bile. I really don't want to have surgery, but feel my health may be at a higher risk of suffocation if I don't. Is there any suggestions for what I can do. I weigh 210 pounds at 5 foot 9 inches. I have a stressful job that may be the cause of the over production of stomach acid.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Nighttime symptoms need to be treated with PPI and nightime dose of zantac.
For complete relief of pain in addition to the medications certain lifestyle modifications are to be followed.
Lifestyle modifications -
1. Head elevation while sleeping
2. Small frequent meals
3. Going to bed 2- 3 hours after food
4. Avoiding bed time snacks
5. Avoiding smoking and alcohol
6. Avoiding tight fitting clothes
7. Avoiding cola, citrus drinks, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, spicy food
8. Weight reduction