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Treatment of GERD may also include the use of antacids and other medications. If GERD is caused by a hiatal hernia , treatment will include addressing the hiatal hernia . Treatment can include lifestyle changes, such as weight reduction, avoiding certain types of food and taking medications to alleviate symptoms. Surgery may be an option when treatment with medications does not completely relieve symptoms. Treatment for GERD depends on how severe symptoms are. For some people, treatment may just include lifestyle changes, such as changing what they eat or drink.

Treatment usually starts with lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking and losing weight—and antacid medicines that you can buy without a prescription. These medicines reduce or block stomach acid
. Treatment usually must be maintained on a long-term basis, even after symptoms have been brought under control. Issues of daily living, and compliance with long-term use of medication need to be addressed as well.

Heartburn symptoms caused by GERD are usually relieved by drugs called proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, Zegerid); however, proton pump inhibitors sometimes do not work well. If your symptoms were not relieved by treatment with proton pump inhibitors, can you please describe your GERD symptoms that did not improve? Heartburn can feel like the pain associated with a heart attack. Never assume that chest pain is heartburn or indigestion
. Heartburn is described as a burning chest pain that begins behind the breastbone and moves upward to the neck and throat. It can last as long as two hours and is often worse after eating.

Pain may move upward toward the throat. It often is worse after meals. Pain and severe heartburn are the primary symptoms of both GERD and erosive esophagitis. Diagnosis is usually made after the physician takes a complete history and understands the symptoms. Pain from the heart usually feels like pressure, heaviness, weight, tightness, squeezing, discomfort, or a dull ache. It occurs most often after you are active.

Endoscopie procedures use a tube inserted down the esophagus to tighten the muscle between the esophagus and stomach. A common type of surgery to correct GERD, called fundoplication, can be performed with an incision in your belly or by using a laparoscope (a device with a small camera on the end). Endoscopic examinations can often be performed in your ENT?s office, or may require some form of sedation and occasionally anesthesia.

Antacids are locally acting agents that decrease the acidity of refluxate into the esophagus. They also have a local neutralizing effect within the esophagus. Antacids for GERD may occasionally cause constipation, diarrhea, increased thirst, and stomach cramps.

Eating too much or bending forward after eating sometimes causes heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth. But having heartburn from time to time doesn’t mean you have GERD. Eating the correct diet, having a normal weight, and taking your medications as prescribed will be helpful in preventing repeat problems.