March 17, 2026 | 11:55 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dr. dr. Hasan Maulahela, Sp.P.D., Subsp. G.E.H. (K), an Internal Medicine Specialist with a degree in Gastroenterology and Hepatology from the University of Indonesia, stated that it is important to know the proper treatment for symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) during your homecoming trip, especially while fasting.
"If you experience symptoms of GERD while traveling and fasting, take the following steps to relieve symptoms," he said in an official statement received on Tuesday.
Hasan's first recommendation is to loosen your clothing. If you are wearing a belt or tight clothing, loosen it immediately, as pressure on your stomach can worsen acid reflux.
Second, sit upright; avoid slouching or curling up. If possible, lean back with your head and chest higher than your stomach to utilize gravity to prevent stomach acid from rising further.
Third, practice deep breathing by inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This helps relax the digestive tract muscles and reduces panic, which can worsen stomach acid production.
"If the condition persists and severe symptoms occur, characterized by severe heartburn accompanied by vomiting or shortness of breath, it's best not to force yourself. Break your fast immediately with warm water (not cold water or water with ice cubes) and take medication if necessary," he said.
Hasan reminded people to avoid consuming foods and drinks that can worsen the condition. However, if your GERD symptoms don't gradually improve, immediately visit the nearest hospital emergency room for appropriate treatment.
It's also important for travelers to know the addresses of hospitals along their Eid homecoming routes in case they need immediate medical attention.
GERD, or acid reflux disease, is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid "refluxes" from the stomach into the esophagus and irritates the lining of the digestive tract through which the stomach acid passes.
Generally, during a relapse, GERD sufferers experience a sour or bitter taste in the mouth (acid regurgitation) and a burning or burning sensation in the chest and pit of the stomach (heartburn). In addition, sufferers often experience nausea and vomiting, bloating, chest pain, and even difficulty breathing.
While traveling, GERD can be triggered by various factors, including rushing to eat and drink during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) or when breaking the fast on the go, consuming spicy, fatty foods, or excessively caffeinated beverages.
Furthermore, prolonged sitting puts pressure on the stomach area, which can lead to acid reflux, and stress and fatigue during the trip.
Hasan said that for GERD sufferers who plan to travel home but want to fast safely, things to consider include continuing to eat suhoor even while traveling. Choose complex carbohydrates and high-fiber foods in sufficient portions. Try not to rush when eating and drinking.
Also, avoid "revenge eating" when breaking the fast. Eating small, frequent portions is better than one large meal that can shock the stomach.
It's also recommended not to sleep immediately after eating. Allow at least three hours after eating (suhoor/iftar) before lying down. It's also important to manage stress well during travel, as it can increase the risk of stomach acid. Stay calm and take regular breaks at rest areas.
Read: Natural GERD Relief: The Benefits of Turmeric for Gastric Acid
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