You can eat out without fear of heartburn if you know what to ask for and what you should avoid. When you ask how the food is prepared, avoid certain beverages, and watch portion sizes, you can prevent the heartburn.

Dining out at Chinese, Mexican, or Italian restaurants may be more difficult, since food at these restaurants may contain more ingredients that can trigger your heartburn. It is possible to enjoy dining there if you know what to avoid.

You can read more about the suggested do's and don'ts when eating out by reading Before You Eat Out.

_{Photo by lovleah (stock.xchng)}

Currently, there are no medications that will reverse Barrett's esophagus. Treating underlying GERD, however, may slow the progress of the disease and help prevent complications. The best treatment strategy for Barrett's esophagus is prevention. However, if you have already been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, there are some treatment options for Barrett's esophagus your doctor may discuss with you.

What is the most annoying thing about having GERD for you? For me, it is the food I have to avoid in order not to experience heartburn, some of which is food that I love. What has been your experience?

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can vary from person to person and can include hoarseness in the morning, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent dry cough. When did you first suspect you were suffering from GERD? What symptoms prompted you to go to your doctor about it? Share your experiences with others.