Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results when stomach acid frequently comes in contact with the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It occurs when the esophageal sphincter relaxes more regularly than it should and allows fluids from the stomach into the esophagus. This is a more serious condition than heartburn and can cause complications such as bleeding and narrowing of the esophagus if left untreated. Obesity, smoking and poor eating habits may contribute to GERD.
Changing Your Lifestyle
Your physician is likely to recommend lifestyle modifications. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, some changes that can provide relief from this condition include elevating the head of your bed, eating dinner at least two hours before bedtime and losing weight, if you are overweight. Also, you may need to reduce your intake of food items that stimulate the problem, such as coffee, tea, citrus juices, spices, tomatoes, alcohol, and fried foods.
Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors are the most common prescription medications for GERD. They reduce the generation of acid in your stomach and consequently heal any damage done to the esophagus by the stomach acid. They can be used over a long period of time. Proton pump inhibitors should not be the sole drug prescribed, though, according to Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics in 2008, which notes that GERD is aggravated by other factors such as stress and insomnia.
Antacids and H2RAs
Over-the-counter antacids can provide a quick relief from symptoms of acid reflux and may be used in conjunction with proton pump inhibitors. Combinations of antacids with alginate can offer more protection to the esophagus from stomach acid. H2-receptor antagonists (H2RA), which are also medications that reduce the production of acid, may be prescribed for less severe conditions. Examples of these drugs are cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine.
For very stubborn cases
Depending upon the severity of your condition, your physician may continue your medications for an extended duration. However, in some patients, GERD may return as soon as drugs are stopped, especially in the absence of lifestyle modifications. Therefore, it is best to permanently modify your lifestyle if you have experienced this disease. In the most severe cases, when a patient does not respond to medications and lifestyle modifications, surgery remains an option. In the common surgery for GERD, the top part of the stomach is wrapped around the esophageal sphincter to strengthen the sphincter.
References
- "Aliment Pharmacol Ther ;" New algorithm for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; G Tytgat et al.; 2008
- American College of Gastroenterology
