Treatment FAQ

what is the long-term treatment for gerd

by Wayne Stracke Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

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How long does it take to recover from Gerd?

How long does acid reflux take to heal? Most often, mild acid reflux does not heal itself unless when treated. When you treat acid reflux with a drug, it takes about 4-8 weeks to heal. It would help if you underwent maintenance therapy 6-8 months after the main course. But if your GERD is in a complicated and advanced form, you need surgical ...

How long will I need Gerd treatment?

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.

How long does it take to trigger Gerd?

It can vary. For some folks, it can last just a few minutes. Sometimes it can last for several hours. Heartburn happens about once a week for up to 20% of Americans and is common in pregnant women. Heartburn symptoms can start up because of a problem with a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

How long does it take for GERD medication to work?

You should start to feel better within 2 to 3 days. However, it may take up to 4 weeks for lansoprazole to work properly so you may still have some acid symptoms during this time. Can I take painkillers with it?

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What is the safest long-term treatment for GERD?

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.

Can long-term GERD be cured?

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

Does GERD require lifelong medication?

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.”

How do you permanently treat GERD?

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.

What is the strongest medication for GERD?

PPIs are the most powerful medications available for treating GERD. These agents should be used only when this condition has been objectively documented. They have few adverse effects. However, data have shown that PPIs can interfere with calcium homeostasis and aggravate cardiac conduction defects.

Can you take omeprazole long-term?

Taking omeprazole for more than a year may increase your chances of certain side effects, including: bone fractures. gut infections. vitamin B12 deficiency – symptoms include feeling very tired, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles.

Is it OK to take acid reducers everyday?

Do not use more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. Do not take for more than 14 days in a row without talking with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Is it OK to take pantoprazole long term?

PPI have minimal side effects and few slight drug interactions and are considered safe for long term treatment. Pantoprazole is significantly effective both for acute and long-term treatment with excellent control of relapse and symptoms. It is well tolerated even for long-term therapy and its tolerability is optimal.

Can you live long with GERD?

Dr. Chandra said that once a diagnosis of GERD has been established, it may become a lifelong condition that will need management. She added that it's best to identify certain causes of your symptoms and learn to avoid or control circumstances to alleviate or even prevent symptoms.

How do I strengthen my esophageal sphincter?

By lifting and holding the neck from a supine position for 60 seconds at a time, you create enough tension in the muscle associated with the upper esophageal sphincter that it can strengthen the valve.

Can the esophageal sphincter be repaired?

Surgery may be an option for those people. Surgery focuses on repairing or replacing the valve at the bottom of the esophagus that normally keeps acid from moving backward from the stomach. This valve is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

When do you need surgery for GERD?

The most common reason for surgery is heartburn that doesn't go away with medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery may also be an option when you have: Severe inflammation of your esophagus, the tube that runs from your mouth to your stomach. A narrowing of your esophagus that's not caused by cancer.

What is the best treatment for GERD?

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. Proton pump inhibitors are accepted as the most effective initial and maintenance treatment for GERD.

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.

Is gastroesophageal reflux disease a chronic disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, relapsing disease that can progress to major complications. Affected patients have poorer health-related quality of life than the general population. As GERD requires continued therapy to prevent relapse and complications, most patients with erosive esophagitis require long-term acid suppressive ...

Can erosive esophagitis cause ulceration?

Erosive esophagitis is a chronic, recurring disease that can lead to further complications such as ulceration if long-term management is ineffective; secondary fibrosis and scarring can infrequently lead to esophageal stricture (Orlando 1999; Sontag et al 2006; Vakil et al 2006).

Can you use PPI for erosive esophagitis?

For most patients, initial acid suppressive therapy with a PPI is recommended . Once healing is achieved, the majority of patients with erosive esophagitis will require continued long-term (maintenance) acid suppressive treatment, usually with a lower dosage of their initial acid-suppressive therapy.

Does GERD require acid suppressive treatment?

As GERD requires continued therapy to prevent relapse and complications, most patients with erosive esophagitis require long-term acid suppressive treatment. 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 ...

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

What does GERD mean?

GER D (Chronic Acid Reflux) When you have GERD (chronic acid reflux) your stomach acid persistently flows back up into your mouth through your esophagus. You may experience heartburn, acid indigestion, trouble swallowing, feeling of food caught in your throat and other problems. Appointments & Access. Contact Us.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The feeling of food caught in your throat. Coughing. Chest pain. Problem swallowing. Vomiting. Sore throat and hoarseness. Infants and children can experience similar symptoms of GERD, as well as: Frequent small vomiting episodes. Excessive crying, not wanting to eat (in babies and infants).

What is the name of the condition where acid-containing contents in your stomach leak back up into your eso

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic acid reflux) is a condition in which acid-containing contents in your stomach persistently leak back up into your esophagus, the tube from your throat to your stomach. Acid reflux happens because a valve at the end of your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, ...

Why does acid reflux happen?

Acid reflux happens because a valve at the end of your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn’t close properly when food arrives at your stomach. Acid backwash then flows back up through your esophagus into your throat and mouth, giving you a sour taste. Acid reflux happens to nearly everyone at some point in life.

How do you know if you have GERD?

Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat, or like you are choking or your throat is tight.

Why does my stomach acid reflux?

If it relaxes when it shouldn’t, your stomach contents rise back up into the esophagus. Stomach acids flow back up into the esophagus , causing reflux. Factors that can lead to this include: Too much pressure on the abdomen.

Why do pregnant women get heartburn?

Some pregnant women experience heartburn almost daily because of this increased pressure. Particular types of food (for example, dairy, spicy or fried foods) and eating habits. Medications that include medicines for asthma, high blood pressure and allergies; as well as painkillers, sedatives and anti-depressants.

How long does pantoprazole last?

Prolonged pantoprazole therapy, also lasting up to 5 years, is also effective for the long term management of severe ulcers and reflux disease (Bardhan et al 2005). A particular concern regards GERD and its association with extra-esophageal complications and in particular with intrinsic asthma.

Is GERD a problem in the elderly?

GERD is a widespread problem in the elderly, but the incidence of GERD in older patients is difficult to define because of the limited number of studies addressing the population age >65 years. In addition, co-morbidity with increasing age and the use of concomitant therapies complicate both diagnosis and management.

Can acid reflux cause chest pain?

The chest pain produced by acid reflux may be identical in quality to angina, making an appropriate diagnosis a difficult problem. Because of this different symptom profile of GERD in the elderly, the disease, particularly in the milder form, may remain undiagnosed and untreated for a long period of time.

Is GERD a common complaint?

GERD is a very common complaint when considering the management of treatment with PPIs in the population over 65 years of age. GERD is usually more severe in the elderly than in younger patients and is frequently under-diagnosed and under-treated.

Does esophagitis cause chronic discomfort?

The high prevalence of chronic discomfort, which may or may not be associated with macroscopic esophagitis or related complications, decreases the patient’s quality of life, increases the need for physician of visits and hospitalizations, and is costly for society.

Is PPI safe for long term use?

PPI have minimal side effects and few slight drug interactions and are considered safe for long term treatment. Pantoprazole is significantly effective both for acute and long-term treatment with excellent control of relapse and symptoms. It is well tolerated even for long-term therapy and its tolerability is optimal.

Does GERD cause acid regurgitation?

Older subjects with GERD are less likely to report frequent or severe heartburn and the majority do not experience acid regurgitation ( Raiha et al 1991). Dysphagia usually occurs in the setting of long standing heartburn with slow progressive dysphagia for solid and rarely for liquids.

What is the best treatment for GERD?

Here’s a rundown of your options. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you have GERD, the odds are you’ll be prescribed one of these.

How to treat GERD?

Here are some lifestyle tips for heartburn relief. Avoid trigger foods. Changing your diet can yield big benefits. Classic GERD triggers include chocolate, coffee, alcohol, peppermint, citrus juices, and tomatoes.

How long can you use a GERD medication?

Generally, they should never be used for more than two weeks. GERD Treatments: Self-Care Tips. While drugs are often the main GERD treatment, there’s a lot you can do on your own.

Why is it important to treat GERD?

First, GERD treatment makes you feel better. Living with uncontrolled GERD -- the pain, the cough, the sleepless nights -- can be tough. “GERD puts quite a burden on a person’s quality of life,” says Goutham Rao, MD.

What are the triggers for GERD?

Classic GERD triggers include chocolate, coffee, alcohol, peppermint, citrus juices, and tomatoes. The exact food triggers vary from person to person. The prospect of life without coffee or chocolate may seem terribly depressing. But you don’t necessarily have to give them up entirely.

How to prevent acid reflux in stomach?

Wear looser clothing, especially at night. Prop up the bed. When you stick blocks under the head of your bed and raise it 6 to 8 inches, gravity will prevent the acids in your stomach from flowing into the esophagus during the night. While this used to be common advice, not everyone can do it.

Can GERD cause Barrett's esophagus?

Fortunately, GERD treatment can prevent Barrett’s esophagus from developing.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

  • 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.
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Clinical Trials

  • 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

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • 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 y...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Alternative Medicine

  • No alternative medicine therapies have been proved to treat GERDor reverse damage to the esophagus. Some complementary and alternative therapies may provide some relief, when combined with your doctor's care. Talk to your doctor about what alternative GERDtreatments may be safe for you. The options might include: 1. Herbal remedies. Licorice and chamomile ar…
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