Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Home » Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) » Treatment

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your GI Condition
(Free Handout)

Treatment

Treatment for GERD varies depending on its severity. Conservative treatment often involves lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. Patients are encouraged to quit smoking, avoid excessive stooping or bending, maintain a healthy weight, and wear loose-fitting clothing.

Changes in eating habits (e.g., eating smaller meals, waiting 3 or 4 hours after eating to lie down) also may help reduce symptoms. Foods and beverages that trigger heartburn, such as fatty and fried foods, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, garlic, onions, teas, carbonated beverages, and alcohol, should be avoided. Tomatoes and citrus foods also should be avoided, since acid from these foods can irritate the esophagus further.

Because GERD symptoms often increase when a person lies down, some physicians recommend raising the head of the bed about six inches so that gravity can help prevent reflux from rising into the esophagus.

Medications
Antacids can help reduce heartburn symptoms by neutralizing the acid in the stomach, but they are not effective for treating esophageal irritation. Common side effects of antacids include diarrhea and constipation.

Other medications are available in over-the-counter and prescription formulas to treat GERD. In many cases, over-the-counter medications are about half the strength of prescription medications.

H-2 receptor blockers (e.g., Pepcid® AC, Tagamet®) can reduce the amount of acid reflux. These medications work more slowly than antacids, but provide longer relief. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Prilosec®, Nexium®, Prevacid®, Aciplex®) inhibit acid production and give the esophagus a chance to heal. These medications are used daily for a short period of time (e.g., 14 days). Side effects include headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Proton pump inhibitors should only be used as directed by a physician. Long-term effects of these medications are not yet known.

Prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide), which are available by prescription, may be used with H-2 receptor blockers to treat GERD. Instead of reducing or preventing acid production, these drugs help food move through the stomach more efficiently and can help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. These medications may cause nausea, diarrhea, confusion, sleeplessness, and depression.

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Resources

	Join Our Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Take this test. Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer