If you suffer from acid reflux, you know the symptoms can be painful and can interrupt your daily routine, your sleep, and your quality of life.
Are you wondering what acid reflux treatment actually works?
Acid reflux treatments can ease the common symptoms using options that range from lifestyle changes to over the counter medicine to prescription drugs. If symptoms cannot be properly managed, you should see a gastroenterologist who can help find treatment for frequent or severe symptoms.
Acid Reflux vs. GERD
Many people ask, “What is the difference between acid reflux vs. GERD?”
Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus and causes that burning feeling in your chest, often called heartburn.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is when reflux happens often, is ongoing, or leads to complications.
Symptoms occur because the valve between your stomach and esophagus does not close properly, which allows stomach acid to push back up. Pressure from eating a large meal, lying down, or sometimes certain foods can make the condition worse.
Acid Reflux Treatment
Treatment for acid reflux usually follows a step by step process depending on how often you experience symptoms.
- Occasional symptoms may improve with quick relief options like antacids taken when needed.
- Frequent symptoms often need a daily plan, which may include H2 blockers (like famotidine) or other longer lasting options under a doctor’s supervision.
- New, severe, or changing symptoms should not be managed on your own and should be checked by a specialist like Dr. Okeefe Simmons.
If you have frequent reflux symptoms or they are disrupting your life, schedule a digestive consultation.
Lifestyle Changes That May Help
Sometimes making some changes to your daily habits can make a real difference. Most doctors will recommend lifestyle changes as a first step in acid reflux treatment. Some of the common changes recommended by the Cleveland Clinic include:
- Eat smaller portions at mealtime and avoid eating late at night.
- Give your body time to digest your food before lying down.
- Watch for foods that trigger your symptoms, like spicy meals, caffeine, chocolate, or fatty foods.
- Keep a food and symptom journal to spot recurring patterns.
- Maintain a healthy weight as recommended by your doctor.
- Sleep in an elevated position or on your left side if your symptoms happen at night.
These changes may not work for everyone, but they often help reduce how often symptoms happen and their severity.
Over the Counter Medicines
Over the counter medicines can sometimes help manage mild to moderate symptoms.
Antacids
Work by neutralizing stomach acid on contact and normally provides fast relief. They work best for occasional symptoms that happen most after eating.
H2 Blockers (like Famotidine)
Reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes and provides longer relief. Normally used for mild to moderate acid reflux symptoms.
Alginates
These form a foam-like barrier that sits on top of your stomach contents and help prevent acid from moving up into your esophagus.
It is important to consult with a doctor if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, or take other medications that could interact to be safe.
Prescription Options For Ongoing Symptoms
If lifestyle changes and over the counter medicines do not bring relief, your doctor may recommend a stronger treatment.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (pp Is)
Your stomach lining has tiny pumps that release acid to help break down food. These medications slow these pumps down to significantly reduce the amount of acid that gets released.
- They are often used for frequent GERD symptoms.
- Normally they are taken 30 to 60 minutes before meals.
- Your doctor will find the lowest possible dose to help keep your symptoms under control, but may start out with a stronger dose at first.
When Testing or Procedures May Be Needed
Sometimes, more testing is needed to figure out what is causing your symptoms. These tests may include:
Upper Endoscopy
A doctor uses a small camera to look inside your esophagus and check for irritation or damage.
pH Monitoring
pH monitoring checks how often stomach acid moves up into your esophagus over a day or two. A thin tube or a small capsule is placed in your esophagus to measure acid levels while you go about your normal routine.
In some cases, a medical procedure or surgery may be an option to help reduce reflux, but this is usually reserved for people with more serious or ongoing symptoms.
When to See a Gastrointestinal Doctor
Do not ignore symptoms that keep coming back or do not feel normal to you. You should set up a consultation with a digestive expert if you have:
- Reflux symptoms two or more times per week.
- Nighttime symptoms that wake you up.
- Issues with swallowing.
- Vomiting or signs of bleeding.
- Black stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia
- Chest pain that needs to be investigated and ruled out.
During your visit, the doctor may review your symptoms and the medications you are taking and create a plan for testing if needed. It would be helpful to your doctor if you brought some information with you, including:
- Notes you have made about your symptoms and when they happen.
- A list of medications and strategies you have tried.
- Any food triggers you have noticed.
Book a consultation to get started.
Where Can I Find Treatment For Acid Reflux?
Dr. Okeefe Simmons is triple board-certified and a specialist in digestive health, offering acid reflux treatments in Aventura, Florida.
Simmons MD Weight & Healthcare Solutions offers its patients safe, effective treatment for reflux and other digestive concerns through a personalized care plan created just for you.
Set up a consultation to find out more.
FAQs
What Is the Best Acid Reflux Treatment for Occasional Heartburn?
Antacids or H2 blockers can often help improve symptoms of occasional heartburn. Lifestyle changes like watching what you eat and avoiding large late meals can also help reduce symptoms.
Are PPIs safe to Take Long-Term?
PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are commonly used and are considered to be effective for most people. Observational studies have reported that long-term use could be associated with side effects like nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures, kidney disease, and infections. PPLs should only be used under a doctor’s supervision, who can determine the lowest effective dose based on your needs.
When Should I Get an Endoscopy for Reflux?
Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy to determine the cause of symptoms that do not improve or if there are warning signs like trouble swallowing or bleeding.
Why is Reflux Worse at Night?
Lying down makes it easier for stomach acid to move into your esophagus, and eating late at night or certain foods can make your symptoms worse.
Can Acid Reflux Be Related to Weight or Your Diet?
Yes. Carrying extra abdominal fat can put pressure on your stomach and force acid up into your esophagus after you eat. Certain foods can also exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux, so avoiding those foods and taking steps to maintain a healthy weight can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
