Treatment for acid reflux might include medication and lifestyle changes.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid refluxis when stomach contents and acids go back up the esophagus.
It might also be calledgastroesophageal reflux (GER).
Its common for people to experience symptoms of GER every so often.
This valve should only open one way: to let food and liquids go down.
But when it becomes relaxed, stomach contents may go back up.
Chronic acid reflux may be a condition calledgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Some of the symptoms of GERD include:
GERD is common, and it can happen to anyone.
Fortunately, there are several things that can be used at home to venture to stop the symptoms.
Many of them can be done at home.
The treatments for chronic acid reflux (which may be GERD) will be different.
GERD can lead to complications, making treatment and prevention necessary.
Avoid Food Triggers
Certain types of foods might bring on symptoms.
Talk to a healthcare provider about how to manage this side effect if it happens.
Other medications may actually cause irritation to the esophagus.
It may help to use gravity to advantage.
There are several ways to achieve an elevated head.
Most often, people use awedge pillow, which is effective.
Having any of these symptoms might mean that the condition has worsened.
Seek medical care if any of the following occur:
Its also possible for GERD to cause complications.
Some of the potential complications include:
What Is the Treatment for Severe Acid Reflux?
If not, PPI therapy might be used intermittently (on and off).
Your healthcare provider may recommendendoscopy.
A healthcare provider may also order other tests, as needed, for the symptoms.
For treatment, all the lifestyle interventions mentioned previously might be recommended first, along with a PPI.
When esophagitis is a problem, surgery may be recommended.
Sucralfate might be recommended for pregnant people with reflux.
Knowing how one reacts to certain foods can help in ruling them in or out.
Lifestyle changes such as altering the diet and stopping smoking may help.
Over-the-counter medications may also help.
There may be a need for more testing, prescription medications, or surgery.
Harvard Health Publishing.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD.
Food and Drug Administration.Over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatment.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for GER & GERD.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
