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What to Do With Recurring Acid Reflux?

Recurring acid reflux is a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. This is a chronic condition that can lead to more serious diseases if left untreated. The condition can be uncomfortable and can also lead to heartburn. While over-the-counter drugs can help with discomfort, you will likely need stronger medication and may benefit from implementing some lifestyle changes to deal with recurring acid reflux.

  1. Medication

    • In most cases, a physician will recommend you first try an over-the-counter medication to treat acid reflux. Reflux is the result of your stomach overproducing acid, so the use of regular antacids can help with temporary relief. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, some over-the-counter medications do not heal any damage of the esophagus and do have some side effects.

      Over-the-counter medications that may help with symptoms of reflux include ones that reduce the production of acid, such as Zantac, Pepsid AC or Tagamat. Stronger medications can also be prescribed. Medicines such as Prevacid and Prilosec are known as proton pump inhibitors and work by cutting off acid production to the point that the esophagus has time to heal, according to the Mayo Clinic. In many cases, you will need prescription-strength medicine to deal with recurring acid reflux.

    Lifestyle

    • Lifestyle changes are also an important part of treating acid reflux. Keeping your weight at a healthy level can help control the condition. When you carry extra weight, you are putting pressure on your stomach, in turn forcing acid into the esophagus. Wearing tight clothes can also add pressure to the stomach. Changing your diet to avoid foods that bring on stomach acid is also a good way to stop reflux. Foods notorious for causing excess acid include garlic, onion, fatty and fried foods, chocolate and mint. Try not to lie down directly following a meal, as this will make it easier for acid to move into the esophagus.

    Surgery

    • In the most severe cases of acid reflux, surgery may be needed. One procedure that can be done is called a Nissen fundoplication. According to the Mayo Clinic, this procedure tightens the esophageal sphincter by tying the top of the stomach around the esophagus. Another procedure is the EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication, which involves suturing the esophagus to give it extra structure, though the efficacy of this study is still being investigated, states the Mayo Clinic.

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