what are the treatment options for acid reflux

Medication

The best over-the-counter acid reflux treatment may depend on the severity of your symptoms, the length of time you want a treatment to last, and how long you can wait for symptom relief. An antacid may be best when you need quick relief that lasts for a short period of time.

Procedures

• Avoid foods that trigger reflux for you. Spicy, acidic, and fried or fatty foods are more likely to trigger reflux. ...
• Stay upright after eating a big meal, to allow for optimal digestion. “It’s best to not eat in the hours leading up to bedtime,” says Dr. ...
• If you’re overweight or obese, losing some weight can help. ...
• If you smoke, do your best to quit.

Nutrition

Acid reflux affects one-third of the Americans today ... kefir and yogurt (small doses only). These foods help populate the good bacteria in your gut, which can reduce the symptoms. Use bitter foods to increase digestive enzymes and stomach acid to ...

How do I choose the best acid reflux treatment?

The ACG provide some tips for preventing acid reflux, including:

• raising the head of the bed
• avoiding lying down 2 two hours after eating
• avoiding eating for at least 2 hours before sleeping
• wearing loose-fitting clothing
• maintaining or achieving a moderate weight
• avoiding foods and medications that cause acid reflux
• stopping smoking
• limiting alcohol intake

What are the different alternative treatments for acid reflux?

What foods help with acid reflux?

How can I prevent and treat acid reflux?

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What is the best treatment for acid reflux?

GERD Treatment: MedicationAntacids. Over-the-counter antacids are best for intermittent and relatively infrequent symptoms of reflux. ... Histamine blockers. Histamine 2 (H2) blockers are drugs that help lower acid secretion. ... Proton pump inhibitors. ... Prokinetic agents.

Are there any new treatments for acid reflux?

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is a minimally invasive treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that is performed in the outpatient setting. The TIF procedure is performed from inside the patient's stomach without incisions.

Can acid reflux be cured permanently?

Yes, most cases of acid reflux, sometimes referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can be cured.

What is the first line of treatment for acid reflux?

H2 receptor antagonists and H2 blocker therapy H2 receptor antagonists are the first-line agents for patients with mild to moderate symptoms and grades I-II esophagitis. Options include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid).

Is there surgery for severe acid reflux?

A Nissen fundoplication is a surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During the procedure, a surgeon creates a sphincter (tightening muscle) at the bottom of the esophagus to prevent acid reflux. Most people notice a significant decrease in acid reflux symptoms after the surgery.

When do you need surgery for GERD?

Surgery may be recommended if you have serious GERD complications. For example, stomach acid can cause inflammation of the esophagus. This may lead to bleeding or ulcers. Scars from tissue damage can constrict the esophagus and make swallowing difficult.

What are the 4 types of acid reflux?

The Four Stages of GERD and Treatment OptionsStage 1: Mild GERD. Patients experience mild symptoms once or twice a month. ... Stage 2: Moderate GERD. ... Stage 3: Severe GERD. ... Stage 4: Reflux induced precancerous lesions or esophageal cancer.

Why do I have acid reflux all the time?

Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus isn't working as it should, allowing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other signs and symptoms. Frequent or constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Why do I have acid reflux every day?

What Causes Acid Reflux Disease? One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach and LES move above the diaphragm, a muscle that separates your stomach from your chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps keep acid in our stomach.

What are the warning signs of acid reflux?

The most common signs and symptoms of acid reflux are:Heartburn – A burning sensation that can run from your throat to the center of your chest.Regurgitation of food or sour liquid.Chronic, dry cough.Difficulty swallowing.A sensation of a lump in your throat.Horse or sore throat.

What is the safest drug for acid reflux?

Proton pump inhibitors are accepted as the most effective initial and maintenance treatment for GERD. Oral pantoprazole is a safe, well tolerated and effective initial and maintenance treatment for patients with nonerosive GERD or erosive esophagitis.

How do you get acid out of your throat?

How to soothe the burningGargle with a mixture of 8 ounces warm water and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt.Suck on a throat lozenge.Drink warm liquids, such as tea with honey. ... Turn on a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.More items...

How do I get rid of acid reflux forever?

Lifestyle and home remediesMaintain a healthy weight. ... Stop smoking. ... Elevate the head of your bed. ... Don't lie down after a meal. ... Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ... Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ... Avoid tight-fitting clothing.

What is the best long-term treatment for GERD?

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 Linx surgery?

The LINX device is surgically implanted around the lower end of the esophagus. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients who continue to have GERD symptoms despite the use of medical therapy (acid pills such as proton pump inhibitor medications) for the treatment of their reflux.

What can long-term acid reflux cause?

Long-term acid reflux can damage the esophagus and may lead to a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. Barrett's affects about 3% to 10% of older men, but within this group the risk of developing esophageal cancer is only about four in every 1,000 cases.

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.

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 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.

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 the treatment for GERD?

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

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.

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.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can prevent and relieve some acid reflux and GERD symptoms. This is especially true if your symptoms aren’t severe. But anyone with acid reflux should consider making the following changes:

Medications

If you still have symptoms after trying lifestyle changes, your doctor will likely recommend medications. There are several types of medications to treat acid reflux and GERD:

Surgery

Most people—more than 95%—find relief from acid reflux and GERD with lifestyle changes and medications. If you are in the small group of people who don’t, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery may also be the best treatment if you have complications from GERD, such as bleeding or scarring of the esophagus.

Endoscopic Therapy

Endoscopy therapy, also known as sphincter augmentation, is a nonsurgical method of tightening the esophageal sphincter with heat energy or special stitches. A surgeon inserts a lighted tube with a camera—an endoscope—through the mouth and lowers it into the esophagus to treat the area.

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 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.

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 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.

Does Baclofen help with GERD?

Chronic use might increase the risk of hip fracture. Medication to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. Baclofen may ease GERD by de creasing the frequency of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter. Side effects might include fatigue or nausea.

What is the best treatment for GERD?

Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for at least 4,000 years. It uses small needles to rebalance energy flow and stimulate healing. Only recently are there clinical trials studying the effectiveness of acupuncture for GERD. One clinical trial.

How to treat GERD?

Some of the best treatments for GERD are lifestyle changes. These changes include: Quitting smoking : Smoking affects LES tone and increases reflux. Not only will quitting smoking reduce GERD, but it can also reduce your risk for other health complications.

What is the name of the disease where food and stomach acid travel back up the esophagus?

Acid reflux is also known as indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when the valve between the esophagus and stomach doesn’t function properly. When the valve (lower esophageal sphincter, LES, or cardiac sphincter) malfunctions, food and stomach acid can travel back up the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.

How to reduce GERD symptoms?

Learning how to manage stress can help with these triggers. Massage, deep breathing, meditation, and yoga may all help reduce symptoms of GERD. Yoga in particular encourages the relaxation response.

How to get rid of stomach acid in kids?

Baking soda. As an antacid, baking soda can help temporarily neutralize stomach acid and provide relief. For adults and teenagers, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon in a 4-ounce glass of water. Talk to your doctor about the dosage for children.

Can GERD cause cancer?

If left untreated, GERD can cause bleeding, damage, and even esophageal cancer. Doctors can prescribe several different treatments for GERD to reduce acid production in the stomach. And there are quite a few over-the-counter medications (OTC) available.

Does melatonin help with epigastric pain?

Melatonin can reduce: incidence of epigastric pain. LES pressure. pH level of your stomach (how acidic your stomach is) In one study from 2010, they compared the effectiveness of taking omeprazole (a common medication used to treat GERD), melatonin, and a combination of melatonin and omeprazole.

How to get acid out of your stomach?

Don't drink carbonated beverages. They make you burp, which sends acid into the esophagus. Drink flat water instead of sparkling water. 4. Stay up after eating. When you're standing, or even sitting, gravity alone helps keeps acid in the stomach, where it belongs. Finish eating three hours before you go to bed.

How to get rid of esophagus?

1. Eat sparingly and slowly. When the stomach is very full, there can be more reflux into the esophagus. If it fits into your schedule, you may want to try what is sometimes called "grazing"—eating small meals more frequently rather than three large meals daily. 2.

What is the backward flow of acid called?

The medical term for this process is gastroesophageal reflux; the backward flow of acid is called acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause sore throats and hoarseness and may literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. When acid reflux produces chronic symptoms, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD.

What medications relax the sphincter?

Some—including postmenopausal estrogen, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory painkillers—can relax the sphincter, while others—particularly bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), or risedronate (Actonel), which are taken to increase bone density—can irritate the esophagus.

What foods cause reflux?

But there are still some foods that are more likely than others to trigger reflux, including mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate, and alcohol.

Can you be a sore throat from gastroesophageal reflux?

A few lifestyle changes are worth trying before resorting to drugs for controlling gastroesophageal reflux. If you are sounding a little hoarse and have a sore throat, you may be bracing for a cold or a bout of the flu. But if you've had these symptoms for a while, they might be caused not by a virus ...

Can you eat mint with acid reflux?

"We've evolved from the days when you couldn't eat anything," Dr. Wolf says. But there are still some foods that are more likely than others to trigger reflux, including mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate, and alcohol. If you eat any of these foods regularly, you might try eliminating them to see if doing so controls your reflux, and then try adding them back one by one. The Foodicine Health website at www.foodicinehealth.org has diet tips for people with acid reflux and GERD as well as for other gastrointestinal disorders.

How to prevent acid reflux from affecting sleep?

One way to prevent acid reflux from impacting your sleep is to avoid eating at least three hours before bedtime. Studies have shown that people who eat closer to bedtime have increased GERD symptoms. Avoid Tight Clothing.

What foods cause acid reflux?

In addition to alcohol and overeating, there are other dietary causes of acid reflux that will help you avoid symptoms. Acidic foods that may make heartburn worsen include the following: 1 Citrus fruit juice 2 Tomato sauce 3 Fried food 4 Coffee 5 Carbonated beverages 6 Garlic and onion

Why is acid reflux worse after eating?

Because acid reflux is most commonly caused by the food we eat, focusing on your diet can reduce symptoms. Rule number one is to avoid overeating. Research has shown that most symptoms occur after a meal, and that the bigger the meal, the worse the symptoms.

What foods make heartburn worse?

Acidic foods that may make heartburn worsen include the following: Citrus fruit juice. Tomato sauce. Fried food. Coffee. Carbonated beverages. Garlic and onion. Eat High-Fiber Foods. Foods that are high in fiber can help you avoid and reduce acid reflux symptoms.

How do you know if you have acid reflux?

Acid reflux can have a few different symptoms depending on diet and severity. Common symptoms are chronic cough, disrupted sleep because of discomfort, heartburn in the chest after eating, or a lump sensation in the throat.

What to do if you have chest pain and shortness of breath?

If you have chest pain and are also experiencing shortness of breath or pain in the arm or jaw, seek medical care right away . If you experience severe heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms regularly, talk to a doctor about medication that can help you manage symptoms.

How many people have GERD?

Research has shown that about 20% of Americans have GERD. Treating acid reflux can be fairly simple if it’s not too severe and you’re only experiencing mild symptoms, like mild chest discomfort or difficulty swallowing. Here’s a look at some home remedies for this condition, and when you should see a doctor.

How to cure acid reflux?

Aloe. You already love aloe for burns, but now you’ll love it to cure acid reflux, too! Since aloe helps reduce inflammation, it can help calm the stomach – and the esophagus – as well. Drink up to a half cup before meals .

How to calm stomach acid reflux?

Baking soda neutralizes acid, so mix a teaspoon into a glass of water and stir until it’s dissolved. Then drink slowly. 4. Ginger tea. Another drink, ginger tea can help calm any number of stomach issues, including acid reflux. Simmer fresh ginger in hot water for about thirty minutes, then enjoy.

How to separate acid reflux from heartburn?

What separates acid reflux from heartburn is that the acid is actually moving back up into your esophagus. If you’re wearing tight pants or a skirt, you’re adding to that by pushing the acid upward. Loosen your waistline and give the acid more room to stay in your stomach. 8. Watch your posture.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Acid Reflux Symptoms. Along with heartburn that occurs more than twice a week, be aware of these symptoms: Regurgitation – that sour, acidy taste in the back of your throat. Bloating. Burping. Hiccoughs. Nausea. A feeling that food is stuck in your throat.

How to get acid out of your stomach?

Loosen your waistline and give the acid more room to stay in your stomach. 8. Watch your posture. Slumping, either when standing or sitting, compresses your organs, which can cause acid to move into your esophagus. Stand up straight so that your digestive system has enough room to be working properly. 9.

How to know if you have heartburn?

Along with heartburn that occurs more than twice a week, be aware of these symptoms: 1 Regurgitation – that sour, acidy taste in the back of your throat 2 Bloating 3 Burping 4 Hiccoughs 5 Nausea 6 A feeling that food is stuck in your throat

Does smoking cause acid reflux?

Smoking contributes to acid reflux. You know you should quit. Let it be for real this time. 10. Track your trigger foods. Obviously, foods are directly related to an acid reflux flare up, so the best way to cure acid reflux is to know them.

What is the best treatment for GERD in children?

Surgery. Doctors may recommend surgery to treat GERD in children if medicines and lifestyle changes don’t improve symptoms or if serious GERD complications occur. Children are more likely to develop complications from surgery than from medicines. Fundoplication is the most common surgery for GERD. In most cases, it leads to long-term improvement ...

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. Surgeons most often perform fundoplication as laparoscopic surgery, making small cuts in the abdomen and inserting special tools to perform the operation.

What side should a child sleep on with GERD?

For example, doctors may recommend that children who have GERD. Doctors may recommend that children with GERD sleep on their left side.

Can H2 blockers help with stomach pain?

H2 blockers lower the amount of acid the stomach makes. H2 blockers can help heal the esophagus, but not as well as PPIs can. H2 blockers may cause side effects, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headache, and may increase the chance of getting certain types of infections. Antacids. In some cases, doctors may recommend short-term use ...

Can antacids cause health problems?

Doctors don’t recommend long-term use of antacids, which may lead to serious health problems. Other medicines. If PPIs, H2 blockers, and antacids don’t improve a child’s symptoms, the doctor may recommend other medicines.

Can you take over the counter medication for GERD?

Some GERD medicines are available over the counter. Don’t use over-the-counter or prescription medicines to treat your child’s GERD unless told to do so by your child’s doctor. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs lower the amount of acid the stomach makes.

Can antacids cause diarrhea?

These medicines can have side effects, such as diarrhea or constipation. Doctors don’t recommend long-term use of antacids, which may lead to serious health problems. Other medicines.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine