Those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) expesience symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn. In such cases, one must not try self-treatment and let the doctor diagnose the disease with a physical examination and diagnostic tests. Depending on the test and examination results, the doctor may prescribe the treatment options as duscissed herein.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications
Antacids like Tums, Mylanta, and Rolaids offers relief but overuse may cause diarrhea or kidney trouble. H-2 receptor blockers like nizatidine, cimetidine, and famotidine offer long-term relief and reduce acid production for up to 12 hours. Stronger acid blockers like proton pump inhibitors help in healing the esophageal tissue damage

Prescription Medications
If the above treatment options for acid reflux and GERD do not provide relief after a few weeks, the doctor may prescribe medications, like:

• Stronger doses of H-2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors.
• Prokinetics that empty your stomach quicker and strengthen the lower muscles of the esophagus.
• Baclofen alleviates GERD by reducing the frequency of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Surgical Procedures
If the treatment options for acid reflux and GERD cause severe side-effects, the doctor may suggest surgical procedures to tighten the esophagus and control the reflux while the food passes through. These procedures may include

• Fundoplication, which is a minimally invasive process where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus sphincter. This may be partial or complete.
• LINX device comprising magnetic beads that are wrapped at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, and the device is implanted with a minimally invasive procedure.
• Transoral incisionless fundoplication is a procedure performed through your mouth with an endoscope with no surgical incision. Polypropylene fasteners are partially wrapped to tighten the lower esophagus sphincter

Lifestyle Modifications
To reduce GERD and acid reflux, here are some recommended lifestyle changes:

• Smoking weakens the esophagus and quitting the habit helps alleviate GERD.
• Maintaining a healthy weight is important as extra pounds pressurize your stomach. You may ask your doctor for healthy ways to shed the extra weight.
• Anxiety and stress may increase GERD symptoms; relaxation techniques to alleviate these may be beneficial.
• Certain drinks and foods like spicy dishes, fried and fatty foods, tomato sauce, chocolate, citrus foods, onion, garlic, fizzy or soda drinks, and alcohol may trigger acid reflux. Avoiding these foods is highly advisable.
• Clothes that are tight around the waist presses the stomach against the esophagus and choosing loose and comfortable clothing is recommended.
• It’s recommended that you do not overeat as it may trigger GERD symptoms. You should opt for smaller meals at regular intervals.
• Waiting for at least three hours before lying down or sleeping after you eat also help reduce GERD.
• Acid reflux may worsen when you are lying down. Raising your bed a few inches may prevent the acid from going to the throat.