Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, is a common disorder characterized by frequent heartburn and the regurgitation of acid into the food tube called the esophagus. If left untreated GERD can result in serious complications such as esophagitis -- inflammation of the esophagus -- and a narrowing of the esophagus. Management of GERD involves lifestyle modifications and medication to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, reduce the frequency of symptoms and heal any damage to the esophagus.
Step 1
Avoid food and beverage triggers. Foods that are spicy, fried or high in fat tend to trigger GERD and irritate the lining of the esophagus. Citrus fruits; tomato-based foods like pizza, spaghetti sauce and salsa; peppermint; chocolate; caffeine and alcohol may also aggravate your symptoms of GERD.
Try eating smaller and more frequent meals rather than larger meals that put pressure on the valve between your stomach and esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter.
Step 2
Elevate the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches to keep your head above your chest when lying down. This action prevents stomach contents from backing up into your esophagus. If your symptoms are worse at night, try not to eat within 3 hours of going to bed.
Step 3
Take an antacid when you need quick relief. These drugs neutralize the acid in the stomach, and you can purchase them without a prescription from any drugstore. Tums, Rolaids, Maalox and Mylanta are examples of antacids. They relieve heartburn and sour stomach within 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 4
Take acid blockers. Your doctor may prescribe a medication from one of two classes of acid blockers -- H-2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. They work by different mechanisms but the end result is the same -- a decrease in the amount of acid in the stomach. Proton-pump inhibitors are more effective than H-2 antagonists. Examples of H-blockers are ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid). Omeprazle (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) are examples of proton-pump inhibitors. These agents take longer to work and should be taken on a daily basis. They also help heal the esophagus.
Step 5
Lose weight and wear loose-fitting clothes around your abdomen. Being overweight can aggravate reflux symptoms. Wearing your clothes too tight around your stomach may also contribute to GERD.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't use over-the-counter antacids or acid blockers for longer than two weeks.
- Over-the-counter versions of acid blockers are not indicated for the treatment of GERD. They should only be used for infrequent heartburn. If your heartburn is more frequent than twice a week, consult a physician. GERD should be treated by a physician.
Things You'll Need
- Antacids
- Acid blockers
- Proton-pump inhibitors
