Acid Reflux Treatments

The best way to manage the symptoms of acid reflux is through a combination of over-the-counter and/or prescription medications along with making lifestyle changes. Identifying and then avoiding such triggers as lying down after a meal or eating spicy or fatty foods can help prevent flare-ups, while medications help keep heartburn and other symptoms at bay.

Acid Reflux Drugs

The most effective way to control acid reflux symptoms is by taking over-the-counter or prescription medication. Acid reflux drugs fall into two categories: Long-term control drugs are taken daily or on an as-needed basis to help keep symptoms under control. Quick-relief medications ease symptoms rapidly when acid reflux crops up. Acid reflux drugs include antacids, which neutralize stomach acids and offer fast relief from symptoms such as heartburn; medications that reduce acid production; and drugs that control stomach acid and help the esophagus heal.

Learn more about drugs to treat acid reflux. 

Surgery

In most cases, GERD can be controlled with medication. However, if prescription drugs and lifestyle modifications are not getting the condition under control and the symptoms of acid reflux are negatively affecting your daily life, you might want to at least discuss surgical options with your health-care provider. Fundoplication is one surgical procedure that may be used to treat GERD and to reinforce the LES.  During the Nissen fundoplication procedure, for example, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES—the valve separating the esophagus and the stomach. The procedure strengthens the sphincter, which, in turn, prevents acid from rising up into the esophagus and causing symptoms. Nissen fundoplication is also sometimes performed to correct a hiatal hernia. It can be performed laparascopically. Other endoscopic surgical procedures your surgeon may discuss with you are the Bard EndoCinch system, the Stretta sytem and the NDO Plicator. Research into these methods and who may benefit from them continues.

A comparatively new procedure is the EsophyX TIF (transoral incisionless fundiplication) which is performed under general anesthesia and takes less than an hour. Tissue is molded to create a new valve just below the gastroesophageal junction. It has been shown to be safe and effective in improving quality of life and relieving symptoms.