Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is often present when heartburn occurs two or more times a week. The stomach’s acid refluxes into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as a bitter or sour taste in the back of the mouth, pain or discomfort in the chest similar to a heart attack, and a feeling of intense pressure. GERD is often present when heartburn occurs two or more times a week. The American College of Gastroenterology explains that treating GERD often involves lifestyle modifications and medications, and suggests that long-term therapy is the key to treatment. Relapse of symptoms is often seen, but surgery remains a last resort.
Step 1
Avoid foods associated with heartburn such as chocolate, peppermint, fried foods and tomato products. Do not drink alcohol or coffee. Avoid eating two to three hours before sleeping or lying down.
Step 2
Stop smoking, suggests the American College of Gastroenterology. Tobacco decreases saliva and stimulates the body’s stomach acid production. Tobacco use also relaxes the esophageal muscles and sphincter, allowing acid to reflux.
Step 3
Use over-the-counter medications to treat heartburn and stomach acid. Antacids such as Mylanta and Maalox neutralize stomach acids, but do not treat the cause of heartburn. Look for key ingredients such as cimetidine, famotidine and nizatidine, which reduce stomach acid production. According to MayoClinic.com, protein pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole and omeprazole, stop stomach acid production and heal the esophagus.
Step 4
Consult with a medical doctor if you are using over-the-counter medication more than twice a week. Stronger, prescription medications may be recommended. Leaving GERD untreated puts you at risk of developing episodes similar to a heart attack, esophageal strictures, bleeding or malignant changes called Barrett’s esophagus. Chronic, untreated heartburn is associated with esophageal cancer.
Step 5
Take prescription drugs if recommended by your doctor. Commonly prescribed medications, which treat GERD, are similar to over-the counter medications, but have higher strength levels. Prokinetic agents rapidly empty the stomach and constrict the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus.
Step 6
Opt for surgery if lifestyle and medications do not relieve symptoms of GERD. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is used in the treatment of GERD when medicines are not successful. Discuss other surgical treatments with your doctor as well, including nissen fundoplication, tightening of the esophageal sphincter, and EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication, which involves stitches around the sphincter to reduce acid reflux. Another option, the Stretta system, involves using heat to damage the nerves that respond to acid reflux, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the counter heartburn medications
- Prescription strength heartburn medications
