TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

The easiest way to prevent the symptoms of GERD from flaring up is to enforce a healthier lifestyle. This includes exercise, healthy eating and sleeping habits, and getting enough water. Negative influences that can have a large impact on the state of the GERD are both alcohol and tobacco, so it is important to try to limit the use of both. An average life can be lived if a healthy lifestyle is maintained.

In more severe cases, doctors may recommend medications and even surgery.

Exercise boosts our body's well being and reduces GERD. The lower esophageal sphincter strengthens as the body does and the frequency of gastric acids passing through declines.

Whatever we put in our bodies has a great impact on our pH levels. When the pH levels become too acidic, GERD can be quite painful and discomforting. It's important to eat plenty of the nutrients that our body needs that so many foods simply don't contain. Drinking enough water is also strongly advised. An individual adult should have about 100 ounces a day.

Substances like tobacco and alcohol should be avoided or taken in moderation as both they can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. This is especially seen within the tobacco as it can burn, irritate, and further damage the sphincter.

There are several over-the-counter medications for GERD. However, if these do not seem to help, ask your doctor about H-2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).

H-2 Blockers function in reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) also function in reducing the production of acid. It also promotes the healing of the esophagus. These may include medications like Dexilant, Nexium, Protonix, and Prilosec. There are many more to explore as each individual is different, and it might take a few weeks to months to figure out the best medication for you.

More severe cases may require surgery. Fundoplication is the most common surgery associated with GERD. In this procedure, the surgeon sews the top of the stomach to the esophagus to add pressure to the lower end of the esophagus, thus reducing the amount of acid reflux received.

An endoscopy may also be necessary. During this procedure, the surgeon makes observations of the esophagus and surrounding areas using a camera. In some cases, surgeons will stitch the sphincter to tighten it.