How is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the time for you to make changes in your lifestyle is now, starting with diet and nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. You'll notice results within a short period of time. The success of your program depends on your complete participation. If there are aspects of the program you don't like, or that are unrealistic for you, you need to discuss alternatives that are doable for you with your doctor. Your health depends on it.If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the time for you to make changes in your lifestyle is now, starting with diet and nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. You'll notice results within a short period of time. The success... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Lifestyle changes are an important part of managing GERD. Changing your diet to eliminate offending foods and drinks, losing weight, and quitting smoking can all help reduce symptoms.
Medications are typically used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thanks to advances in medications, surgery is only needed in extreme cases - primarily if the patient is unwilling or unable to cope with the lifestyle changes necessary for management of reflux disease. The most common surgical procedure is called a Nissen fundoplication.
There are both over-the-counter and prescription medicines that may help keep your stomach calm and even prevent flare-ups. They are:
- Antacids – Neutralize the acid present in the stomach, but these don't tend to last very long and they can actually cause the stomach to produce more acid to counteract low acidity.
- H2 blockers – Fight the acid-increasing mechanism of a substance called histamine. H2 blockers can reduce reflux in up to 50 percent of cases and are now available in both prescription (including generic versions) and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Another set of acid-blocking agents that use a different mechanism from H2 blockers. They are often more effective than the latter and can even heal some of the damage acids may create.
- Prokinetic agents – Usually used in conjunction with one of the two prescription drugs above to enhance their effectiveness.
Lifestyle changes are an important part of managing GERD. Changing your diet to eliminate offending foods and drinks, losing weight, and quitting smoking can all help reduce symptoms. Medications are typically used to treat gastroesophageal reflux... More -
GERD can be treated with reflux medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that minimize the acid levels but don’t eliminate the reflux.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulGERD can be treated with reflux medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that minimize the acid levels but don’t eliminate the reflux. More -
Louise Goldberg answered:There are several things you can do to combat GERD.
Non-medication therapy includes:
- Stay upright for a couple hours after eating.
- Avoid high fat foods, acidic foods (like tomato sauce and citrus fruits), and caffeine.
- Eat smaller meals at one sitting but more frequently throughout the day.
- Excess weight may make the problem worse by putting pressure on your stomach. Talk to your physician or dietitian about how to get you on track to lose weight.
- Don't smoke.
- Talk to your doctor about reflux medication if the above precautions have shown no benefit.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThere are several things you can do to combat GERD. Non-medication therapy includes: Stay upright for a couple hours after eating. Avoid high fat foods, acidic foods (like tomato sauce and citrus fruits), and caffeine. Eat smaller... More -
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:Physicians will usually begin by prescribing long-acting prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors to suppress the production of stomach acid. Other medications used include H-2-receptor blockers, which also reduce acid production, and prokinetic drugs, which help the stomach empty faster and may tighten the LES.
For most cases of GERD which medication does not correct, anti-reflux surgery may be performed. Called fundoplication, this surgery is performed using general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small abdominal incision and tightens the LES with sutures to prevent reflux.
Hospital stays and recovery time are shortened from 4-6 days and two weeks recovery time with an open surgery to 1-2 days in the hospital and one week recovery time with this method. Studies show that 90% of patients who undergo this procedure will be symptom-free 10 years after surgery. Patients who cannot take medication long-term or for whom it does not work may be candidates for fundoplication. Risks include those associated with anesthesia, bleeding, and infection, discomfort from gas buildup, or difficulty swallowing. Some patients may need to continue taking some medication.Physicians will usually begin by prescribing long-acting prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors to suppress the production of stomach acid. Other medications used include H-2-receptor blockers, which also reduce acid production, and prokinetic... More -
Shraddha Chaubey answered:Avoiding high fat foods, certain spices like red, black pepper, mint and caffeine might help relieving the symptoms. Eat six small low fat balanced in protein and complex carbohydrates. Avoid drinking water while eating meals might help not diluting the digestive enzymes. Try to take a small walk or some other form of light physical activity after the meal before sitting or lying down.
Avoiding high fat foods, certain spices like red, black pepper, mint and caffeine might help relieving the symptoms. Eat six small low fat balanced in protein and complex carbohydrates. Avoid drinking water while eating meals might help not diluting... More -
Nadine Pazder answered:GERD can be treated with a combination of diet and lifestyle changes, medications and in extreme cases, surgery.
By reducing the size of your meals you can minimize reflux. Avoid substances that are known to increase gastric acidity like smoking, alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, black and red pepper, and chili powder as well as any foods that cause you heart burn. Fatty foods, because they take longer to leave the stomach can also cause reflux symptoms.
Do not wear garments that are tight around the waist. Avoid eating within 2-3 hours of going to bed. And don't lie flat when you do go to sleep. Place a foam wedge under your pillow to raise your head about 30 degrees.
Left untreated, simple heart burn or GERD can progress to Barrett's esophagus so be sure to follow up with your physician as directed. A registered dietitian can help you lose weight if needed or with dietary changes to reduce symptoms.
GERD can be treated with a combination of diet and lifestyle changes, medications and in extreme cases, surgery. By reducing the size of your meals you can minimize reflux. Avoid substances that are known to increase gastric acidity like smoking,... More -
Mrs. Hiral Modi answered:Depending on the severity GERD is treated by one or more of the following - Lifestyle & Dietary changes, Medications or Surgery.
LIFESTYLE & DIETARY CHANGES include:
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly;
- Drink fluids in between meals instead of with meals;
- Avoid tight fitting clothes;
- Lose weight if you are overweight;
- Avoid gastric stimulants like Smoking, Alcohol, Caffeine (coffee, soda, tea), Cocoa (chocolates);
- Avoid foods that causes - Tomato and tomato based products (like salsa, spaghetti sauce, pizza, ketchup), Citrus fruits and juices (oranges, lime, lemon), garlic and onions, pepper, spicy food, fatty and fried foods, peppermint and other mint flavorings all are known to worsen the symptoms.
MEDICATIONS include: Antacids, H2 blockers, proton-pump inhibitors. Medications for GERD are available over the counter. Follow the directions and dosage. If you symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of medication consult your health care provider. Surgery is very rare option for very severe cases. Most of people benefit from life-style changes and medications.
Depending on the severity GERD is treated by one or more of the following - Lifestyle & Dietary changes, Medications or Surgery. LIFESTYLE & DIETARY CHANGES include: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly; Drink fluids in between meals instead of... More -
Elizabeth Casparro answered:Gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD) is treated with a combination of diet and medication. Foods that can make reflux worse include acidic (tomatoes, citrus, etc.), spicy (chili peppers), and high fat (fried, butter, nuts) foods. The size of the meals also make a difference because too much food in your stomach at once can push more acid up and burn your esophagus. The medication used is called a Proton-Pump Inhibitor such as Prevacid or Zantac, which reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. The only concern with taking it long-term is that you can develop certain nutrient deficiencies because certain nutrients, such as Vitamin B12, needs an acidic environment to be absorbed.
Gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD) is treated with a combination of diet and medication. Foods that can make reflux worse include acidic (tomatoes, citrus, etc.), spicy (chili peppers), and high fat (fried, butter, nuts) foods. The size of the... More -
National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively with over-the-counter and prescription medications such as Pepcid and Prilosec. (This answer provided for NATA by the Southern Connecticut State University Athletic Training Education Program)Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively with over-the-counter and prescription medications such as Pepcid and Prilosec. (This answer provided for NATA by the Southern Connecticut State... More -
Dr. Robin Miller answered:There are several things you can do if you have GERD. Avoid the foods that cause your symptoms. If you are overweight, lose it. Avoid tight fitting clothes. Eat small meals throughout the day and quit smoking if you smoke. Raise the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches under blocks. That will help to reduce reflux.
If these measures do not work then you might want to consider medications. There are antacids; H2 blockers such as Zantac and Pepcid, and proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec and Protonix. If you are considering medication, I suggest you speak to your doctor to find out which one will be the best for you.
There are several things you can do if you have GERD. Avoid the foods that cause your symptoms. If you are overweight, lose it. Avoid tight fitting clothes. Eat small meals throughout the day and quit smoking if you smoke. Raise the head of the bed... More -
Dr. Khalouck Abdrabbo of Sanford Health answered:Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is caused by acid from the stomach refluxing/leaking up into the esophagus/throat. There are different ways of treating GERD. First line treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation. Patients can also elevate the head of their bed on blocks or lay on a foam wedge to raise their whole upper half of their body when they are sleeping as GERD is worse when laying down. Eating smaller, more frequent meals that have reduced fat, and eating supper at least 3 hours prior to bed can also aid in reducing GERD. Reducing intake of peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages can help reduce the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (where the esophagus and stomach connect). Medications including antacids, proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec or Nexium), or H2 blockers (such as Zantac or Tagamet) can be taken to reduce acid or reduce the production of acid, depending on which medication is taken. Call our doctors if you are having problems with GERD.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is caused by acid from the stomach refluxing/leaking up into the esophagus/throat. There are different ways of treating GERD. First line treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often treated with the lifestyle changes listed below. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend medical treatments. In a few cases, surgery may be necessary.
The lifestyle changes below can reduce the irritation of your esophagus. Often they can even correct mild forms of GERD.- Don't lie down for 2 hours after eating. Don't bend over at the waist either. Let gravity help your digestion.
- Avoid foods that cause symptoms. These often include fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate, onions, tomato sauce, carbonated beverages, and mint.
- Limit coffee to no more than 2 to 3 cups per day.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid tight clothing such as tight belts, tight pants, or girdles.
- Take an antacid at bedtime and 30 to 60 minutes after each meal or as directed by your doctor.
- Review your medications. Check with your doctor if you're taking certain medications, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and some types of blood pressure medicines.
- Eat smaller meals so your stomach isn't holding too much food at once.
- Stop smoking. If you can't stop smoking, then at least cut back.
- Lose extra weight. Too much weight can put pressure on your stomach and cause reflux.
- Prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Your doctor may recommend an antacid or other medicine to control acid or to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Be sure to take your medicines regularly and just as your doctor prescribes.
- Endoscopy. This procedure allows the doctor to view the inside of your esophagus with a camera and identify -- and sometimes treat -- any problems.
- Dilation. This procedure is done during an endoscopy and stretches your esophagus if it's constricted.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often treated with the lifestyle changes listed below. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend medical treatments. In a few cases, surgery may be necessary. The lifestyle changes below can... More -
Penn Medicine answered:GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when a muscle at the end of the esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back -- or reflux -- into the esophagus and irritate it. A burning in the chest or throat, called heartburn, sometimes includes acid indigestion -- stomach fluid in the back of the mouth.
Anyone, including infants and children, having these symptoms more than twice a week may have GERD. If not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems. GERD is treated by lifestyle modifications, medication and, in some cases, surgery. Endoscopic techniques are used to improve the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus that prevents acid reflux from occurring.GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when a muscle at the end of the esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back -- or reflux -- into the esophagus and irritate it. A burning in the chest or throat, called... More
