GERD Treatment with Medicine and Lifestyle Changes

Most symptoms of GERD can be treated through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Surgery is reserved for people with severe complications, but it is rarely necessary.

Treating GERD with Drugs

Drugs that can be used to neutralize stomach acids are antacids (eg. Aluminum or magnesium hydroxide *, calcium carbonate, bismuth subsalicylate). The production of stomach acid can be reduced by drugs such as H2-receptor antagonists (eg. Cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine) and most importantly Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)

Dexlansoprazole
Omeprazole
Lansoprazole
Pantoprazole
Esomeprazole
Rabeprazole

The drugs listed below are specifically indicated for the symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. As they act on the symptoms, they should be taken with disorders or in situations that favor them (hearty meal, etc.). Their effect is immediate, but sometimes short.

Antacids local action possible to reduce or neutralize the acidity of gastric juice secreted already. Antacids are sometimes associated with alginates, substances forming a viscous gel that floats in the stomach.

Treating GERD with Lifestyle Changes

In addition to using drugs, you can further soften your GERD symptoms continuing one or more lifestyle changes below. For example:

Taking your meals earlier, especially the evening.
Thinking about less plentiful and more frequent meals instead of taking 2 or 3 meals a day.
Avoid lying down within 2 or 3 hours after a meal.
Reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
Stop smoking and avoid drinking alcohol.
Lose excess weight.
Exercising regularly.
Lift the head of your bed by 15 cm (6 in).

Most people change their eating habits and their lifestyle while taking their drugs have their therapeutic efforts successful. Sometimes surgery is needed to restore or enhance the anatomical factors opposing the reflux. It can help to dilate the esophagus when it is shrunk and swallowing is difficult. It is also possible to tighten the fabric around the base of the esophagus in order to restore the anti-reflux barrier.

GERD Care