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GERD Treatment

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. People with GERD experience many uncomfortable symptoms that stem from their stomach acid backing up into their esophagus. That acid wears away the outer layer of tissues it touches which can cause significant damage. Below is a list of treatments for GERD.

  1. Over-the-Counter Treatments

    • Over-the-counter antacids reduce stomach acid and are the first line of defense against GERD symptoms.

    Alternatives to Antacids

    • There are other drugs available over-the-counter that work like antacids, but they are effective for a longer time period. Some examples are famotidine and ranitidine, which are available in stronger doses with a prescription.

    Healing Damaged Tissue

    • Other over-the-counter drugs heal the damage done by stomach acid and keep the body from making too much acid. This drug class is called proton pump inhibitors.

    Prescription Drugs

    • All of the above-mentioned over-the-counter drugs are given in prescription strengths when smaller doses don't help.

    Sugery

    • In cases where drugs don't work well enough, doctors can do surgery on the esophagus to prevent the back-up of acid.

    Behavioral Changes

    • Sometimes, the best treatment is prevention. Some behavioral changes that prevent GERD symptoms are avoiding fatty and spicy foods, not lying down after eating and not wearing clothes that fit too tight.

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