Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment of gerd

by Vicky Lebsack DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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PPIs: PPIs are the most effective medical therapy to treat GERD . PPIs work by blocking the mechanism that produces stomach acid. This lowers the acidity of the digestive fluids involved in reflux, and thus reduces reflux symptoms. PPIs are available in both prescription and over-the-counter strengths.

Medication

 · A thorough evaluation by a GERD expert is highly recommended. A successful anti-reflux procedure that restores the integrity of the lower esophageal sphincter cures GERD and …

Procedures

 · The GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease treatment that includes homeopathy medicines for GERD can help you get cured of recurrent GERD symptoms. …

Nutrition

 · The options include: Antacids, which help neutralize stomach acid. Antacids may provide quick relief. But they can't heal an esophagus... H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), …

What are the best ways to heal Gerd naturally?

 · 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. 3. Don't drink …

What type of diet is best for GERD?

What is the strongest medication for GERD?

What to eat to improve Gerd?

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How do you cure GERD permanently?

Surgery for GERD 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.

What is the latest treatment for GERD?

The newest therapy is the transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). This is an incisionless fundoplication performed with an endoscope that is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.

How long does GERD take to heal?

GERD is a medical condition in which acidic liquids in the stomach leak up into the esophagus. Minor cases of GERD can heal in less than a month while moderate cases can take 6 to 12 weeks of treatment.

What is the fastest way to cure GERD?

Try to:Maintain 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.

Which antacid is best for GERD?

Best for GERD: Nexium 24HR Acid Reducer Heartburn Relief Capsules. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by stomach acid rising all the way up into your esophagus, throat, and mouth, and can cause a painful burning sensation, belching, and difficulty swallowing.

What is the main cause of GERD?

GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux. When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again.

Does milk help GERD?

"Milk is often thought to relieve heartburn," says Gupta. "But you have to keep in mind that milk comes in different varieties — whole milk with the full amount of fat, 2% fat, and skim or nonfat milk. The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux.

Is GERD curable or not?

GERD is typically a very treatable disease, but many people don't know they have it because its symptoms are associated with numerous other conditions. Common symptoms of GERD include: Chronic heartburn. Regurgitation.

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 check for GERD?

To confirm a diagnosis of GERD, or to check for complications, your doctor might recommend: Upper endoscopy. Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat, to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach. Test results can often be normal when reflux is 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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Can a doctor prescribe GERD?

Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to treat GERD .

Can you take H2 blockers over the counter?

H2 blockers. H2 blockers lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. H2 blockers can help heal the esophagus, but not as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can. You can buy H2 blockers over the counter, or your doctor can prescribe one.

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.

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.

How often do you experience acid reflux?

Patients experience mild symptoms once or twice a month. Treatment relies on lifestyle changes and over-the-counter acid suppressive medications.

What is stage 3 GERD?

Stage 3 and 4 patients have a very weak lower esophageal sphincter the LES and/or a hiatal hernia. If you have stage 3 or 4 GERD, you have an anatomical medical condition. Medications simply suppress the symptoms; Medications do not and free samples nolvadex cannot treat the cause.

Can GERD be controlled?

Patients with severe GERD have poorly controlled symptoms on prescription medications. Their quality of life is substantially lower. Patients are more likely to have erosive esophageal inflammation. A thorough evaluation by a GERD expert is highly recommended. A successful anti-reflux procedure that restores the integrity of the lower esophageal sphincter cures GERD and improves patient quality of life.

Is acid reflux a chronic disease?

The disease stage is determined by the severity of reflux into the esophagus. This in turns depends on how frequent and how long are the reflux episodes. The longer and the more frequent acid reflux episodes are the more significant is the damage to the esophagus. GERD is also associated with a spectrum of symptoms that ranges from mild heartburn to severe chest pain mimicking a heart attack. GERD treatment options are highly dependent upon an individual’s GERD stage.

Does Houston Heartburn and Reflux Center treat GERD?

At Houston Heartburn and Reflux Center, we can help you treat the cause of GERD through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. From initial consultation, surgery, and post-op visits Houston Heartburn and Treatment Center:

What is the best treatment for GERD?

The GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease treatment that includes homeopathy medicines for GERD can help you get cured of recurrent GERD symptoms. Homeopathy treatment for acid reflux gives patients relief without the side effects of GERD drugs. Medicine used for GERD includes antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors.

How to stop acid reflux?

If you feel anxious, it can make your symptoms worse. Try box breathing if you are feeling dizzy or have a rapid heartbeat. It is important to remember that there will not be any way to stop acid reflux but relaxation techniques can help with anxiety.

How to get rid of LES?

They can cause your LES to go down and make you feel sick. Avoid foods with caffeine, alcohol, mint, tomatoes, fat or spicy food.

Can GERD cause breathing problems?

GERD can also lead to difficulties swallowing, breathing and may interfere with working or sleeping. GERD complications worsen when left untreated, so it is important to be diagnosed early on by a medical professional and seek Homeopathy treatment for GERD symptoms. The best way to treat GERD symptoms is with natural medication for GERD.

What causes GERD in the body?

GERD can be caused by a variety of factors including overeating, lying down soon after eating, hiatal hernia, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, spicy foods or certain medications.

Can GERD cause a burning sensation in the throat?

Symptoms of GERD also include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and bad breath. GERD can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat, a feeling of a lump in the throat (like you might get when choking), or an uncomfortable pressure on the breast bone. GERD can also be accompanied by hoarseness, sore throat, and cough.

Does homeopathy help with acid reflux?

At Welling Homeopathy, we have pioneered the treatment of chronic acid reflux with tailor-made Homeopathy medicines that can give instant relief right on the first day of starting the treatment and gradually can lead to a complete cure of GERD symptoms.

How to get rid of heartburn?

Lifestyle changes can help ease heartburn: Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus. Avoid tightfitting clothing, which puts pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter. Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn.

How to control heartburn symptoms?

Try lifestyle changes to control your symptoms until you see your doctor. For instance, avoid foods that trigger your heartburn and avoid eating at least two hours before bedtime.

What is the name of the doctor who treats digestive disorders?

You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the digestive system (gastroenterologist).

How to reduce esophageal sphincter function?

Avoid smoking and alcohol. Both smoking and drinking alcohol decrease the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly.

What is the best medicine for stomach acid?

Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) and omeprazole (Nexium 24HR, Prilosec OTC), which also can reduce stomach acid. If over-the-counter treatments don't work or you rely on them often, see your doctor. You may need prescription medication and further testing.

What is esophageal motility test?

Esophageal motility testing, to measure movement and pressure in your esophagus.

How to avoid heartburn while sleeping?

Avoid lying down after a meal. Wait at least three hours. Avoid late meals. Elevate the head of your bed if you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep. If that's not possible, insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to eleva te your body from the waist up.

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.

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.

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 does flat water do to your esophagus?

They make you burp, which sends acid into the esophagus. Drink flat water instead of sparkling water.

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.

Is the CDC relaxed?

The CDC has relaxed some prevention measures, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated, and especially outdoors. Meanwhile, scientists continue to explore treatments and to keep an eye on viral variants. Stay Informed. View Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center.

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 ...

How does GERD affect quality of life?

Thus GERD results in a significant cost burden and poor health-related quality of life. The effective treatment of GERD provides symptom resolution and high rates of remission in erosive esophagitis, lowers the incidence of GERD complications, improves health-related quality of life, and reduces the cost of this disease.

How many people have gastroesophageal reflux disease?

It has been reported that GERD affects an estimated 19 million individuals in the US (Sandler et al 2002), and it can affect up to one-third of adults (Haag and Holtmann 2003). These figures are likely to underestimate the true prevalence of GERD, since many patients self-medicate and do not seek medical advice or diagnosis (Fendrick 2001). Similarly, many patients are not aware that they have GERD (Hollenz et al 2002). Failure to seek professional medical treatment can lead physicians to under-diagnose and under-treat GERD, with consequent poor control of symptoms, lost productivity, reduced quality of life, and an increased incidence of complications in affected patients. Ultimately, this under-diagnosis and under-treatment result in increased long-term healthcare utilization and costs.

Can GERD be underdiagnosed?

Failure to seek professional medical treatment can lead physicians to under-diagnose and under-treat GERD, with consequent poor control of symptoms, lost productivity, reduced quality of life, and an increased incidence of complications in affected patients.

Does pantoprazole help with GERD?

In addition, oral pantoprazole has been shown to improve the quality of life of patients with GERD and is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction with therapy. GERD appears to be more common and more severe in the elderly, and pantoprazole has shown to be an effective treatment for this at-risk population.

Does GERD cause remission?

The effective treatment of GERD provides symptom resolution and high rates of remission in erosive esophagitis, lowers the incidence of GERD complications, improves health-related quality of life and reduces the cost of this disease.

Can you take pantoprazole with GERD?

It is common for many patients with mild disease and infrequent symptom relapses to use a PPI only when symptoms demand. Patients with symptomatic or mild erosive GERD are therefore ideal candidates for on-demand or intermittent treatment (Bardhan 2003). On-demand treatment with oral pantoprazole 20 mg or 40 mg daily provided effective symptomatic control in 634 patients with endoscopically confirmed Savary-Miller grade 0/I GERD and heartburn, with the mean perceived average daily symptom load of heartburn over a 6-month period reduced from 3.93 with placebo to 2.71 with the 40 mg dose and 2.91 with the 20 mg dose (p < 0.0001 for both pantoprazole doses vs placebo) (Scholten, Dekkers, et al 2005). The discontinuation rate due to insufficient control of heartburn or unsatisfactory treatment (insufficient control of heartburn or other gastrointestinal symptoms) was significantly lower in both pantoprazole groups than in the placebo group, despite placebo recipients using significantly more antacid therapy (p < 0.05 for all pantoprazole vs placebo comparisons). No significant differences between pantoprazole 20 mg and 40 mg were reported.

Is GERD a differential diagnosis?

The differential diagnosis of GERD is often difficult. The intensity and frequency of heartburn and other symptoms of GERD are poor predictors of the presence or severity of esophageal manifestations (Johansson et al 1986; Green 1993; Fennerty et al 2002) meaning that symptom assessment alone is not a reliable method to assess the presence or severity of erosive disease (Dent et al 1999; Johnson and Fennerty 2004). However, since objective testing is not common in primary practice, it has been suggested that GERD is likely when heartburn occurs on two or more days a week, although less frequent symptoms do not preclude disease (Dent et al 1999).

How to reduce GERD?

2. Lose weight. Being overweight or obese increases one’s risk for GERD as it increases intra abdominal pressure, which can contribute to the backflow of stomach acid. 3. Heal leaky gut syndrome. Increased intestinal permeability is a risk factor for GERD.

What is the best diet for GERD?

A high fiber diet can help to prevent symptoms of GERD and promote intestinal health. The Paleo pyramid is rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, which promote the growth of good gut flora and reduces inflammation.

What causes GERD in the esophageal sphincter?

GERD is commonly the result of a poor diet, high inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, obesity and lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction.

What foods can you avoid with GERD?

Individual food triggers could include spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cow’s milk, citrus juices or tomato juice. Know what is linked to the onset of your GERD and this will help in treatment.

Can too much stomach acid cause GERD?

It should be noted that GERD is not the result of too much stomach acid. Rather, it’s an issue with too much stomach acid in the wrong place (i.e. in the esophagus).

Can acid reflux cause GERD?

Acid reflux can sometimes progress to GERD. GERD is the more severe form of reflux. Eating the right kinds of foods, using natural supplements and changing lifestyle habits all help to prevent, treat and heal GERD.

Does GERD cause reflux?

With GERD, there is some degree of lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. This sphincter can become weakened or too relaxed and, as a result, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus. This results in constant reflux and a state of inflammation.

How to get rid of GERD?

Following are the tips that will help you get rid of GERD, · Eat slowly: avoid taking large meals or overeating. All this leads to acid reflux in the esophagus, causing acidity. · Eat selective food: sometimes, your food selection is the cause of your ailment. Choose a healthy diet with lots of water intake.

How to treat acid reflux?

for treating acid reflux, the first step is to change lifestyle and diet. As mentioned earlier, our busy lifestyle and tight schedules demands time which leaves little to no time for us to care for ourselves. We tend to rely on fatty and high carb diets which only tastes good. This is not the case of food only, but our effected mental health is another prime factor that causes acid reflux. High-stress releases hormones that increase acid production in the stomach thereby causing acid reflux and GERD. Ultimately we end up with an unhealthy gut that needs a long term cure. One and the most important lifestyle change is our dietary habits.

What foods help with acid reflux?

· Fennel, oatmeal, and ginger are useful to lower acidity of the stomach and are quite healthy. · Yogurt and banana have proven to be quite effective to lower acid reflux symptoms.

Why are all the medications referred to as the best?

All these medications are referred to best because of the following reasons: · High patient compliance. Most patients adhere to the treatment because these are highly effective in the treatment of acid reflux. · It is effective even in lower doses. · Side effects are rare with these.

Can you take pantoprazole with acid reflux?

You may start the use of pantoprazole from a low dose. If your acid reflux gets cured, then tapper it off. If not then you may have to increase the dose. Consult your doctor before changing the dose of your medication.

Does omeprazole help with acid reflux?

Omeprazole is effective against stomach acidity and acid reflux. It helps decrease the amount of gastric acid making the stomach contents less acidic. This protects the lining of the stomach, preventing any burning sensation felt in the stomach or the esophagus.

Can acid reflux cause ulcers?

Cases of gastric issues and ulcers are rising every day. Extensive research is now conducted to cure acid reflux, which leads to ulcers if not treated. You all must always be searching about the best and yet the safest acid reflux medication.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Generally, the treatment begins with over-the-counter medication to control the stomach acid. If the pain prolongs for a few weeks the doctor may prescribe other treatments which include medications and surgery.
Medication

Antacids: Acts by neutralizing stomach acids, thereby providing quick relief.

Omeprazole . Aluminium hydroxide/Magnesium hydroxide/Simethicone . Magnesium Hydroxide


H-2 receptor blockers: H-2-receptor blockers do not act as quickly as antacids, but they provide longer relief and may decrease acid production from the stomach for up to 12 hours.

Cimetidine . Famotidine

Procedures

Linx surgery: Surgeon wraps a ring of tiny beads around LES, strong enough to keep the opening closed to refluxing acid but food can pass through it.

Nissen fundoplication: The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter. This prevents the refluxes back in the esophagus.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Vegetables
  • Ginger
  • Oatmeal
  • Noncitrus fruits
  • Lean meats and egg whites.

Foods to avoid:

  • High fat foods
  • Tomatoes and citrus fruits
  • Chocolates
  • Garlic, onion and spicy foods
  • Caffeine and mint

Specialist to consult

Gastroenterologist
Specializes in the digestive system and its disorders.

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

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Surgery and Other Medical Procedures

  • Lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of acid reflux. Try to: 1. Maintain a healthy weight.Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to reflux into your esophagus. 2. Stop smoking.Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly. 3. Elevate the head of your bed.If you regularly experienc…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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