How to Compare GERD Treatments
Are you worried about heartburn that won't go away? Anyone from an infant to senior citizens can develop GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a more serious form of acid reflux that causes heartburn and indigestion. Acid reflux occurs when the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach that acts like a valve doesn't close properly, allowing stomach contents and digestive juices called acids to rise into the esophagus. This is common, but if it happens more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux and need to seek treatment. Following are available treatments, some of which I took advantage of when my heartburn became so bad I couldn't swallow food.
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Instructions
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How to Compare GERD Treatments
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If you notice symptoms right away, you might be able to treat your GERD with changes in diet and routines. Lose weight, stop smoking, and raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by putting wood blocks under the bedposts. Eat smaller meals, avoid food for 3 hours before bedtime, and don't lie down for 3 hours after eating. Wear loose clothes and avoid food that makes your symptoms worse. My problem foods are spicy food, acidic food like oranges and tomatoes, and fried food. Others that are known to make symptoms worse are chocolate, peppermint, alcoholic drinks, high fat food, soft drinks and other drinks with caffeine.
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If lifestyle changes alone don't work, you may need to add medicine. Antacids such as Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, Alka Seltzer, and Mylanta can relieve symptoms but may cause constipation or diarrhea. Gaviscon covers the contents of your stomach with foam to prevent reflux. H2 blockers that decrease acid production work for about half of the people with GERD symptoms and include prescription or over the counter strength cimetidine, fametidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine (Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, and Zantac). Proton pump inhibitors work better than H2 blockers and can heal the lining of the esophagus as well as relieve symptoms. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is available in prescription and over the counter strength. Lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), esomeprazole (Nexium), and rabeprazole (Aciphex) are available by prescription. Prokinetics help strengthen the muscle under the esophagus and improves muscles in the digestive tract. They make the stomach empty faster. However, prokinetics such as metaclopramide and bethanechol have side effects including depression, fatigue, anxiety, and problems with movement. Until my swallowing problem stopped, I took metaclopramide with Prevacid. That worked well, but I did experience some side effects, so now I take Maalox in addition to Prevacid occasionally when the Prevacid alone doesn't seem to work.
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If medicine and lifestyle changes don't work, you might need tests to see if you might have a hiatal hernia, ulcers, abnormal growths, or injury to the esophagus. I had a procedure done every three months for a year to stretch my esophagus. It was painless and I went back to work the next day.
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If nothing else works, your doctor might recommend surgery. The standard surgery for GERD is safe for people of all ages, including infants. It involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the muscle underneath the esophagus to strengthen it, prevent acid reflux, and repair a hiatal hernia. The hospital stay is no more than three days and you can go back to work in two or three weeks. Other surgical procedures to strengthen the muscle under the esophagus include putting stitches in it or putting tiny burns on it.
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Tips & Warnings
You might need a combination of medicines to relieve your symptoms.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience side effects and let your doctor know you need to try something different if your treatment isn't working.
