GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

The purpose of the GERD treatment includes the reduction of reflux amount that will cause less esophagus lining damage from stomach content.

Some OTC and prescription medications can help to reduce the symptoms of GERD:

Antacids to Neutralize Stomach Acid:  For quick relief, the doctors recommend antacids. These medications do not provide effective results to heal the damaged esophagus. Excessive intake of these medicines can lead to side effects, such as kidney problems or diarrhea.

Medicine to Reduce Acid Production: These medicines do not provide quick relief but act as a long-time solution that decreases acid production from the stomach.

Medicines to Block Acid Production: These medications are also known as proton pump inhibitors. They are stronger acid blockers that allow the healing of damaged esophageal tissues.

Surgery and Other Procedures

Medications work well to control the symptoms of GERD. But in some severe cases, the following procedures can help:

LINX Device: It is a minimally invasive surgery that involves the implantation of the LINX device. This is a ring of tiny magnetic beads that is wrapped around the stomach and esophagus junction. The magnetic junction is strong enough between the beads to close the junction to refluxing acid. But it may work as a weak point to allow food to pass.

Fundoplication: It is a procedure that involves the wrapping of the top of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter which helps to tighten the muscle and prevent reflux. It is a minimally invasive surgery also known as laparoscopic.

Transoral Incision Fundoplication (TIF): It is performed by creating a partial wrap around the lower esophagus using polypropylene fasteners to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter. This procedure is done through the mouth using a device called an endoscope without any surgical incision. If the causing factor of GERD is a hiatal hernia, this procedure will not be enough.

Other medicines for GERD include herbal remedies and relaxation therapies.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Dietary Changes

Sometimes, simple changes in your lifestyle and diet can help to reduce the symptoms of GERD. The following steps can help to prevent stomach acid reflux:

Avoid Large Meals: Having large meals can increase the risk of GERD symptoms and also lead to discomfort. Make sure you eat food 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

Eat Slowly: When you eat your food, chew it properly.

Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages: Some foods and drinks can relax the LES. These foods include fatty foods, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, chocolates, peppermint, etc. Some foods can also cause esophagus lining irritation, like pepper, citrus fruits, tomato, citrus fruit juices, etc.

Elevate Your Head: Body position helps to reduce GERD symptoms. Make sure that you raise your head while sleeping as they lessen the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Quit Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and increases the GERD symptoms risk.

Wear Loose Clothes: Squeezing your waste also increases the risk of stomach content backflow. Wear loose clothes to reduce the risk.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture treatment can also stop reflux in one study group but more research is required.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can trigger GERD symptoms. Maintaining weight can also help to cure GERD.

In case of any concerning signs and symptoms, you need to visit a certified gastroenterologist.