GERD is a chronic disease, where long-term relapse prevention is the key to treatment, making long-term therapy necessary. All treatment and medications aim to reduce the amount of acid refluxing from the stomach back into the esophagus or reduce the irritation caused to the esophageal lining due to the reflux. The goal of treatment of GERD is to eliminate symptoms, heal esophagitis, and prevent its relapse.
Some common treatment options for GERD and acid reflux are mentioned below:
1. Over the counter medications
Many people use over the counter medications to treat heartburn and minor GERD. They use them along with natural remedies or when natural remedies do not work. Treatment is necessary when lifestyle or diet changes do not work to cure acid reflux and GERD.The FDA has approved many over the counter medications (OTCs) without prescriptions. Some others are available with prescriptions. The OTCs provide a great deal of relief in treating heartburn. The OTC medications recommended may be one of these three types:
2. Antacids
A dose of antacids is generally the first and mildest treatment option recommended. They work immediately to relieve one of heartburn. They are very useful for treating mild symptoms. They contain magnesium, calcium, aluminum, or a combination of these. Antacids are available as tablets or syrups. The tablets are generally chewable or dissolvable. Ensure that you follow the correct dosage prescribed on the package or by the doctor, as too much of them can cause side effects like constipation and diarrhea.
3. H2 blockers
These medicines reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach and lower the heartburn risk and begin to be effective within an hour of consuming them. They generally work more slowly than antacids but provide more extended relief than antacids.
4. Proton pump inhibitors
As the name states, these medicines inhibit acids’ production in the stomach. They are used to treat those with severe and frequent bouts of acid reflux. PPIs are available mostly by prescription. Always consult a doctor before taking PPIS, as they have more serious long-term side effects like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and pain in the abdomen. Increased risks of pneumonia, bone fracture, and dementia have been linked to frequent and heavy PPIs usage.
5. Surgery
If the symptoms are not eased by medication or lifestyle changes, surgery may be considered as an option to cure the problem. Surgery is also recommended if there are complications, such as bleeding, recurrent stricture, or metaplasia (an abnormal transformation of cell lining the esophagus). Surgery is done after a consultation with a gastroenterologist and a surgeon. One of the procedures used to treat GERD is laparoscopic fundoplication, a minimally invasive procedure to reinforce the valve at the esophagus base to prevent reflux of the acid from the stomach and the esophagus. Endoscopic techniques are preferred to open surgery procedures.
Since this is a chronic condition, if one has GERD, they must lie down with their head elevated and work on the right diet. If one has a high BMI, they must start working right away on weight loss. Along with medication and surgery, self-care goes a long way in managing GERD symptoms.
