Gastroesophageal reflux can cause a great deal of discomfort, especially after your favorite meal. While long-term treatments exist to help decrease the symptoms of this health problem, instant remedies also exist to treat symptoms quickly and stop the reflux from continuing, FamilyDoctor.org indicates.
Step 1
Take antacids. In many cases, over-the-counter antacids offer instant relief from acid reflux. These may include liquids such as bismuth subsalicylate, or aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, or tablets to chew that contain these and other medicines such as calcium carbonate and simethicone. These all quickly cure the symptoms of heartburn, indigestion and reflux of food particles into the throat. Antacids work within minutes. They neutralize the acids in the stomach, which calms the stomach, FamilyDoctor.org indicates. The effects of OTC antacids, however, do not last long.
Step 2
Use H2-blockers, or histamine H2 antagonists, in combination with antacids. While the antacids work immediately, H2-blockers can kick in by the time the antacids begin to wear off. These OTC drugs, which include cimetidine, ranitidine, lansoprazole and omeprazole, relieve reflux symptoms within an hour, FamilyDoctor.org indicates. You also can take H2-blockers as preventive medications. If you take them regularly or approximately an hour before a meal, the effect can prevent acid reflux from occurring.
Step 3
Sit up instead of lying down during an acid reflux attack. This will help the reflux to stop because gravity will help keep food and acid down in the stomach for proper digestion. Lying down makes it easier for the acid to enter the esophagus because the liquid flows back through the esophageal sphincter.
Step 4
Avoid triggers both before and during a reflux episode. This will help you to feel better and get over the reflux sooner, or avoid it altogether. Triggers may include beverages containing caffeine, alcoholic beverages and spicy foods.
Things You'll Need
- Antacid
- H2-blocker medicine
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease
- American Acadmy of Family Physicians: Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease: Diagnosis and Management
- MayoClinic.com: Is acid reflux the same as GERD?
- FamilyDoctor.org: Antacids and Acid Reducers: OTC Relief for Heartburn and Acid Reflu
