Treatment for acid reflux usually works effectively no matter how severe the condition. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat called heartburn. Sometimes people experience a bitter or acidic taste in the back of the mouth. Treatment ranges from medicine and dietary changes for mild cases to surgery that strengthens tissues in the esophagus when other methods do not work.
Function
A muscle in the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter opens when food goes from the esophagus into the stomach. The muscle normally closes to keep stomach acid from rising back up, but sometimes it relaxes and does not close tightly, resulting in acid reflux. The malfunction occurs occasionally for some people. Other people have frequent acid reflux and may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week indicates GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Medication
Over-the-counter antacids provide instant relief from heartburn for many people. The antacids come in tablet or liquid form. Antacids work effectively for people who experience heartburn once in a while. People who suffer from acid reflux frequently benefit from over-the-counter H-2 blockers that reduce stomach acid production and prevent acid reflux for several hours. Stronger proton pump inhibitors reduce acid production and heal damage to the esophagus. Doctors prescribe stronger forms of H-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors for patients who cannot get relief from over-the-counter products.
Diet
In many cases, dietary changes reduce or prevent acid reflux. Some people only need to focus on diet to avoid heartburn. Other people combine diet and medication for successful treatment. Certain foods trigger acid reflux by causing the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. People have particular foods that bother them, but examples of acid reflux triggers include fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes or tomato sauces, garlic, caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol. Gassy foods, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts may trigger acid reflux, Medical News Today explains.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle changes can avoid the discomfort of heartburn. People who have acid reflux while sleeping can raise the head of the bed four to six inches with wooden blocks under the bedposts, to raise the upper body. Avoiding lying down for two to three hours after eating prevents heartburn, the American College of Gastroenterology notes. Food needs time to digest, or acid contents may rise back up while you are lying down or bending over after eating. Smoking also contributes to acid reflux because it causes the esophageal muscle to relax.
Surgical Options
Lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes and medication treat acid reflux effectively for most people. In some cases, however, acid reflux and heartburn continue. Doctors may recommend surgery to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter by tightening the tissue between the stomach and the esophagus. Surgery can prevent a lifetime of taking medication and experiencing discomfort, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
