1. Lifestyle Changes
Treating acid reflux begins by making certain changes in your lifestyle. These changes address some risk factors and limit the symptoms. Losing weight should be your first goal if this is an issue. Avoid smoking and alcohol and foods that may cause heartburn, such as acidic fruit and juices, tomatoes, fatty, fried foods, caffeine, chocolate and peppermint. Impede the flow of stomach acid into your esophagus by raising the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches and don't lie down for at least 3 hours after eating. Wear loose clothing to keep pressure off your abdomen. Eating smaller meals is also beneficial.
2. Use Medication to Treat Acid Reflux
Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize the acid in your stomach, relieving heartburn and other mild acid-reflux symptoms. If they don't work, your doctor may prescribe H2 blockers to limit acid production. These medications are helpful for about half the people with acid-reflux symptoms. Proton-pump inhibitors also limit acid production but are much more effective than H2 blockers and work for most acid reflux sufferers.
Foaming agents cover the contents of your stomach with foam, preventing the reflux of acid into your esophagus. Prokinetics may strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and make the stomach empty faster. Prokinetics have many side effects, including fatigue, depression and anxiety, so they are used less often.
3. When Surgery Is Necessary
Surgery is the next option for clearing acid-reflux symptoms. Fundoplication is the standard surgery for GERD. During this procedure, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES. This strengthens the LES and prevents acid reflux. It can repair hiatal hernia when that is an issue. This safe, effective surgery can be performed as a laparoscopic procedure and offers a relatively fast recovery time. Patients generally go home after 2 to 3 days and can return to work in about 2 to 3 weeks. Ask your doctor whether this is a suitable option for you.
