Patients with reflux esophagitis should be instructed to:

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Patients with reflux esophagitis should be instructed to eat small meals to prevent overloading the stomach and to minimize the amount of acid produced during digestion. Drinking liquids with meals can increase the volume of stomach contents, which can worsen reflux symptoms. Lying down after eating can also worsen symptoms. Caffeine-containing foods and beverages should be avoided as they can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and promote reflux. Eating small meals helps to prevent overeating and decreases the amount of acid produced during digestion, reducing symptoms of reflux esophagitis. Drinking liquids with meals can actually worsen symptoms by increasing the volume of the stomach contents and causing more reflux. Lying down after eating can also worsen symptoms, as gravity cannot help keep stomach acid down. Caffeine-containing foods and beverages should be avoided as they can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.

Patients with Reflux Esophagitis Should Be Instructed To