gerd treatment how long

Medication

With moderate-to-severe GERD, lifestyle changes are also important. However, rather than take medication as needed, moderate-to-severe GERD is treated continuously for 6 to 12 weeks, sometimes even longer. Your doctor will select medications based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not reflux has damaged your esophagus.

Procedures

GERD and GERD-related esophagitis and esophageal erosions take about 2-8 weeks to heal with medications (PPIs). According to research, The 8-week course of PPI successfully heals erosive GERD esophagitis in about 86% of cases.

Nutrition

Medications cannot Permanently cure your GERD, but they’re necessary to control the disease and prevent or reverse the complications. Surgery can cure your GERD permanently, but it is not for everyone.

How long will I need treatment for GERD?

Here's how:

• Pause before each meal. Take a moment to look at your meal. ...
• Eliminate distractions at mealtime. Avoid reading, checking your phone, or watching television while you eat.
• Chew each bite thoroughly.
• Eat smaller meals rather than big meals. Overeating puts more pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter.

How long does Gerd take to heal?

How to cure Gerd permanently?

How to heal Gerd naturally?

How long does GERD take to heal?

GERD isn't something that can be totally eliminated for most people. However, using an H2 blocker medication and making lifestyle changes works wel...

Is GERD curable or not?

GERD is considered a chronic condition, meaning that it can be controlled and treated, but not cured.

Why does GERD get worse at night?

When you lay down flat, gravity stops moving food and acid down the esophagus and through the digestive system, allowing the acid to pool in place...

What foods should be avoided with GERD?

Unfortunately, the list of foods you should avoid if you have GERD is pretty long. Foods to skip include spicy, fried, and high-fat foods. You shou...

What is the biggest indicator of GERD?

Heartburn is the most frequent, though not the only, symptom of GERD.

What is the first line of treatment for GERD?

Initial treatments usually involve making lifestyle changes. Your doctor may also suggest using over-the-counter medications like antacids, alginic...

What is the treatment for GERD?

Treatment for GERD includes: Lifestyle and dietary changes. Medication. Endoscopic therapy. Surgery.

How to treat GERD?

Dietary and lifestyle changes are the first step in treating GERD. Certain foods make the reflux worse. Suggestions to help alleviate symptoms include: 1 Lose weight if you are overweight — of all of the lifestyle changes you can make, this one is the most effective. 2 Avoid foods that increase the level of acid in your stomach, including caffeinated beverages. 3 Avoid foods that decrease the pressure in the lower esophagus, such as fatty foods, alcohol and peppermint. 4 Avoid foods that affect peristalsis (the muscle movements in your digestive tract), such as coffee, alcohol and acidic liquids. 5 Avoid foods that slow gastric emptying, including fatty foods. 6 Avoid large meals. 7 Quit smoking. 8 Do not lie down immediately after a meal. 9 Elevate the level of your head when you lie down.

What is a TIF for GERD?

Transoral incisionless fundo plication (TIF) is an option to address GERD. TIF can mean a shorter treatment time, less pain and faster recovery compared to laparoscopic surgery. The procedure involves using a special TIF device to create a passageway for a flexible, tube-like imaging instrument called an endoscope. The procedure allows the physician to use preloaded tweezers and fasteners to repair or recreate the valve that serves as a natural barrier to reflux.#N#Currently, there are clinical trials testing the efficacy of endoscopic therapy for GERD. One form of therapy uses an endoscopic sewing machine to place sutures in the stomach and increase the anti-reflux barrier.

What is the purpose of surgery for reflux?

The goal of surgery for reflux disease is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier. During a procedure known as a Nissen fundoplication, your surgeon wraps the upper part of your stomach around the lower esophagus. This enhances the anti-reflux barrier and can provide permanent relief from reflux.

How to help with reflux?

Suggestions to help alleviate symptoms include: Lose weight if you are overweight — of all of the lifestyle changes you can make, this one is the most effective. Avoid foods that increase the level of acid in your stomach, including caffeinated beverages.

What is the best medicine for reflux?

Antacids. Over-the-counter antacids are best for intermittent and relatively infrequent symptoms of reflux. When taken frequently, antacids may worsen the problem. They leave the stomach quickly, and your stomach actually increases acid production as a result.

Can you have surgery for GERD?

Surgery for GERD. If your symptoms did not improve with lifestyle changes or drug therapy, you may be a candidate for surgery. Some patients prefer a surgical approach as an alternative to a lifetime of taking medications. The goal of surgery for reflux disease is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier.

What is the procedure to treat GERD?

Treatment. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for GERD may involve a procedure to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, called Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus after reducing the hiatal hernia, if present.

How to reduce acid reflux?

Lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of acid reflux. Try to: Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to reflux into your esophagus. Stop smoking. Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly.

What is the surgeon's job to wrap the stomach around the lower esophagus?

In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus after reducing the hiatal hernia, if present. This reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter, making it less likely that acid will back up in the esophagus. Substitute for esophageal sphincter. Open pop-up dialog box.

How long does it take for a monitor to pass through your esophagus?

The monitor might be a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that's threaded through your nose into your esophagus, or a clip that's placed in your esophagus during an endoscopy and that gets passed into your stool after about two days. Esophageal manometry. This test measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow.

How to get heartburn out of bed?

If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches. If you can't elevate your bed, you can insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to elevate your body from the waist up.

What is the procedure that involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into

Endoscopy. Endoscopy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). Your doctor might be able to diagnose GERD based on ...

How to stop a swollen stomach from eating?

Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. Put down your fork after every bite and pick it up again once you have chewed and swallowed that bite. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.

How to reduce GERD symptoms?

Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight and reduce GERD symptoms. Endoscopy. In a small number of cases, doctors may recommend procedures that use endoscopy to treat GERD. For endoscopy, doctors insert an endoscope—a small, flexible tube with a light and camera—through your mouth and into your esophagus.

What is the best way to reduce GERD?

In open fundoplication, surgeons make a larger cut in the abdomen. Bariatric surgery. If you have GERD and obesity, your doctor may recommend weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, most often gastric bypass surgery. Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight and reduce GERD symptoms. Endoscopy.

What is the difference between laparoscopic and open fundoplication?

In laparoscopic fundoplication, which is more common, surgeons make small cuts in the abdomen and insert special tools to perform the operation. Laparoscopic fundoplication leaves several small scars. In open fundoplication, surgeons make a larger cut in the abdomen. Bariatric surgery.

What is the most common surgery for GERD?

Fundoplication is the most common surgery for GERD. In most cases, it leads to long-term improvement of GERD symptoms. During the operation, a surgeon sews the top of your stomach around the end of your esophagus to add pressure to the lower esophageal sphincter and help prevent reflux.

What is the best medicine for GERD?

Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to treat GERD. Antacids. Doctors may recommend antacids to relieve mild heartburn and other mild GER and GERD symptoms. Antacids are available over the counter. Antacids can help relieve mild symptoms.

Can GERD be treated with surgery?

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your GERD symptoms don’t improve with lifestyle changes and medicines, or if you wish to stop taking long-term GERD medicines to manage symptoms. You’re more likely to develop complications from surgery than from medicines.

Can you buy GERD medication?

Over-the-counter and prescription medicines. You can buy many GERD medicines over the counter. However, if you have symptoms that will not go away with over-the-counter medicines, you should talk with your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to treat GERD. Antacids.

How long does it take for GERD throat to heal?

GERD throat (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) takes more time to heal than GERD esophagitis. According to clinical data, GERD throat takes about a 6-month course of Proton Pump inhibitors (PPIs)to heal ( reference ). However, The response to PPI in Laryngopharyngeal reflux (GERD throat) is variable in clinical trials ( reference ).

How to heal a GERD throat?

Diet is very important to control GERD throat. To heal GERD throat, Avoid foods that may trigger the condition ( ref ): Caffeine such as coffee, and other caffeinated drinks. Alcohol. Chocolate. Peppermints and peppermint oil supplements unless prescribed by your doctor. Carbonated beverages.

What are some other medications for acid reflux?

Acid reflux mediations other than PPIs include: H2 blockers: such as Famotidine (Pepcid). Antacids: such as Tums, Milk of Magnesia , Gaviscon, Maalox, and Pepto-Bismol. Prokinetic Medications: such as Metoclopramide and Itopride. GERD and GERD-related esophagitis and esophageal erosions take about 2-8 weeks to heal with medications (PPIs).

What is the best medication for GERD?

The most commonly used medications to treat GERD are Proton Pump inhibitors (PPIs). They act by decreasing acid production inside your stomach and consequently preventing acid-induced damage to your esophagus ( ref ).

How many people have GERD?

GERD is a widespread condition. About 10 to 20% of people have acid reflux (GERD) in the western world ( ref ). We classify GERD (chronic acid reflux) into two main categories ( ref ): Physiological GERD: Mild to moderate symptoms, infrequent, and you can easily control it with diet and lifestyle modification.

Can GERD be cured without medication?

In special circumstances, GERD can be cured permanently without medications. For example, anti-reflux surgery (if you have hiatus hernia) or weight loss ( if you are obese). But, The majority of people will need medications to heal the esophagus and prevent damage and complications.

Can PPIs heal GERD?

These medications (such as PPIs) help the healing of GERD and GERD-related esophagitis. Diet and lifestyle modification without medications are not likely able to heal the damage caused by acid reflux to your esophagus. Don’t rely on natural treatments alone without the medical advice and treatment from your own doctor.

What is the treatment for reflux in the stomach?

Current medical treatment includes the use of medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that work by limiting acid secretion in the stomach, and surgery where the goal is to increase pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux .

What is the most common symptom of GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder. About 10% to 20% of Americans have frequent heartburn, the most common symptom of GERD. The disease is characterized by symptoms and/or tissue damage that results from repeated or prolonged exposure of the lining of the esophagus to acidic contents from the stomach.

Is anti-reflux surgery safe?

However, anti-reflux surgery itself introduces risks of complications that are not introduced in patients using medications.

What happens when you swallow food with GERD?

When someone has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acids and digestive juices are regurgitated into the esophagus after food has been swallowed. Sometimes GERD can be mild and infrequent, but it often is quite severe. The acids that accompany GERD can erode the lining of the esophagus, causing serious and painful complications.

Is it bad to ignore GERD?

Ignoring GERD can be dangerous. The effects of untreated GERD include esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus due to chronic exposure to stomach acids, which can lead to bleeding, esophageal ulcers, and potentially cancer.

Can you continue taking GERD medication after symptoms have disappeared?

Even after their symptoms have disappeared and the esophagus has healed, many patients need to continue taking their GERD medicine. “GERD is a relapsing disease,” says Dr. Esrailian. “To prevent recurrence and further damage to the esophagus, people may have to stay on the drugs for years, even for life.”.

Can PPIs heal esophagus?

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, the newest class of GERD medication, are so effective against GERD that they can eliminate symptoms and heal the esophagus in almost all GERD patients . However, emerging research may point to a downside for people who need to take PPIs for a lengthy time period.

Can you take GERD medication for long term?

Simply put, yes. Risks of taking long-term GERD medication include: Esophageal cancer. Taking over-the-counter (OTC) antacids has been associated with an increase in risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer.

How to manage GERD?

There are several surgical options that may help to relieve GERD symptoms and manage complications. Speak with your doctor for guidance on the best approach to manage your condition. If your GERD requires surgery, you should be sure and discuss the cost of your surgery with your doctor and the hospital. The costs vary greatly depending on your ...

How long does it take to recover from fundoplication surgery?

The fundoplication surgery is the most common. The traditional or open surgery requires about a week in the hospital and then about six weeks before you are able to return to work. The laparoscopic fundoplication surgery requires only a few days in the hospital with the patient able to return to work after one week.

What is the valve at the bottom of the esophagus called?

This valve is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A weak or damaged LES is what causes GERD. Untreated GERD can develop into a condition called Barrett’s esophagus.

What is fundoplication surgery?

The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the outside of the lower esophagus to strengthen the sphincter. Fundoplication can be performed as an open surgery.

What is the procedure called when you have a long incision in your stomach?

During an open surgery , the surgeon makes a long incision in your stomach to access the esophagus. It can also be performed as laparoscopic surgery. This type of surgery involves several smaller incisions. Miniaturized instruments are used to make the process less invasive.

What is the name of the disease that causes heartburn and GERD?

Acid Reflux and GERD. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. This causes heartburn and other symptoms. Chronic or severe acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Mild or moderate reflux symptoms can often be relieved with diet and lifestyle changes.

What is a tube that can be threaded into the esophagus?

This is a thin, flexible tube that can be threaded into your esophagus. An electrode at the end of the tube heats your esophageal tissue and creates tiny cuts in it. The cuts form scar tissue in the esophagus. This blocks the nerves that respond to refluxed acid.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Lifestyle Changes

• Your doctor is likely to recommend that you first try lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. If you don't experience relief within a few weeks, your doctor might recommend prescription medication or surgery.

See more on mayoclinic.org

Over-The-Counter and Prescription Medicines

Surgery and Other Medical Procedures