Acid backs up from the stomach and into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
Treating GERD will reduce symptoms and help avoid potential complications.
Medicationmight not always be needed iflifestyle and dietary changesoffer enough relief from symptoms.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Drugs used for GERD are available both over the counter and by prescription.
Surgery is reserved for people who do not find relief through less invasive treatments.
At-Home and Lifestyle Habits to Eliminate Triggers
Youcan take steps at hometo help with GERD symptoms.
Restrictive Diets
Eating awell-balanced dietwith lots of fruits and vegetables is important for overall health.
OTC and Prescribed Medications
GERD can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
In some cases, an OTC medication might also be available as a prescription medication in a different dosage.
There’s a general guideline regarding the use of OTC medications for heartburn or GERD symptoms.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat GERD include the following.
Antacids
Antacidstreat GERD by neutralizing acid in the stomach.
Most people recognize this pink product that’s sold under thebrand name Pepto-Bismol.
H2-Receptor Blockers
H2-receptor blockersreduce the amount of acid created by the stomach lining for about 12 hours.
Some brand names of H2 blockers include:
These medications are also available by prescription.
The effects may last for up to 24 hours.
However, PPIs are thought to be safe when taken as prescribed.
People who have questions about PPIs should talk with their healthcare provider to get personalized recommendations.
The PCAB available in the United States is Voquezna (vonoprazan).
It works by blocking the acids secreted by the stomach.
PCABs are not recommended as the first throw in of drug to try for GERD.
A PCAB may suppress acid more effectively than other medications, but the long-term effects are not yet known.
Most Effective Treatments for GERD
The most effective drug or surgery for GERD will be highly individualized.
The best treatment for any person might be the one they can take as directed.
Surgery
People may choose to have surgery to treat GERD for a few reasons.
One is if lifestyle changes and medication do not stop the symptoms.
Another is if it’s not possible for a patient to take medications as prescribed.
Many different types of surgery are used to treat GERD.
It might be used when a person cannot have a Nissen fundoplication or chooses not to.
There are no incisions because the esophagus is accessed by going through the mouth.
It folds the tissue of the esophagus and stomach and anchors it with fasteners.
The balloon electrode has sharp prongs that heat up.
These prongs are used to make small cuts in the esophagus.
When these cuts heal, scar tissue is created.
Scar tissue is tougher and less flexible than tissue that hasn’t been through the healing process.
The new scar tissue supports and reinforces the esophageal muscles to prevent acid from backing up into the throat.
In addition, the nerves in that area are affected.
A tool on the end of the endoscope creates two stitches in the LES.
The stitches essentially make a pleat in the LES.
This procedure is minimally invasive because it is done via endoscopy.
LINX Surgery
The LINX reflux management system is an implanted gear that wraps around the LES.
The LINX is a ring of magnetic titanium beads which help keep the LES closed.
It’s less invasive than open surgery but insurance policies may not cover it.
Treatment Effectiveness: A GERD Cure?
GERD can be treated effectively.
When it is managed well, symptoms may go away altogether.
During a GERD Episode, What Helps?
Some options to treat GERD are used to prevent it in the first place.
GERD and Sleep
The symptoms of GERD can come on at night, severely impacting sleep.
Many lifestyle habits recommended for preventing GERD symptoms are important when trying to avoid problems at bedtime.
People might also have an alcoholic drink with their dinner or afterward.
Both of these can cause GERD symptoms at night.
It is always important to discuss medication use, even OTC medications, with a healthcare provider.
Antacids that contain aluminum and/or magnesium hydroxide may decrease the ability to absorb iron or folic acid.
PPIs may also decrease the ability to absorb some kinds of calcium and iron.
Vitamin B12 levels might need to be monitored through blood tests.
Taking iron supplements two hours before or after taking an H2 antagonist might be helpful.
The side effects of H2 blockers are usually considered to be minor and are uncommon.
They can include constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches.
There is also the possibility of drug interactions and acuteliver injury(which is rare).
In general, the benefits of taking a medication should outweigh its potential risks.
Specialists Who Oversee Chronic GERD
Several types of healthcare providers may manage GERD.
However, the specialist most commonly involved is agastroenterologist.
A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who has specialized training in the care of digestive conditions.
Making changes to diet and how and when meals are eaten are low-risk ways to avoid developing GERD symptoms.
Many OTC medications can be effective in helping symptoms, but some people may need prescription-strength drugs.
Surgical options may be considered if these do not control the symptoms.
American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux / GERD overview.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for GER & GERD.
2022;14(12):e32619.
doi:10.7759/cureus.32619
Medical College of Wisconsin.GERD surgery: laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
2019;7:E647-E654.
2021;13(1):e12759.
doi:10.7759/cureus.12759
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet].
Harvard Health Publishing.9 GERD symptoms to know.
Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, Greer KB, Yadlapati R, Spechler SJ.
ACGClinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Am J Gastroenterol.
AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Personalized Approach to the Evaluation and Management of GERD: Expert Review.
2022 Sep;20(9):2156. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.05.005].Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.
2022;20(5):984-994.e1.
