Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus & causes heartburn and other symptoms.
Treatment approaches for GERD include lifestyle and dietary changes, medication, endoscopic therapy, and surgery.
Losing weight is a must if you are overweight. Of all the lifestyle changes you can make, this one is the most effective.
Avoid foods such as caffeinated beverages that increase the level of acid in your stomach.
Avoid foods such as fatty foods, alcohol and peppermint that decrease the pressure in the lower esophagus.
Avoid foods that affect peristalsis (the muscle movements in your digestive tract), such as coffee, alcohol and acidic liquids.
Avoid foods that slow down digestion, including fatty foods. Avoid large meals, smoking, and lying down immediately after a meal.
Medications used to treat acid reflux include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor blockers.
PPIs, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Drugs like Histamine 2 (H2) blockers help to lower acid secretion by healing esophageal erosions in about 50 percent of patients.
Antacids are given to treat intermittent and relatively infrequent symptoms of reflux but they should not be taken frequently.
Consult a healthcare provider for guidance on a treatment plan. It is important for the safe management of acid reflux and its symptoms.