Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is when the contents of your stomach repeatedly move back up through your oesophagus and into your throat. You may or may not then throw up, depending on how severe your bout with GERD is. GERD can be painful because the contents of your stomach mix with stomach acid, which also travels to your oesophagus.
When GERD happens occasionally, it is referred to as acid reflux. Anyone can have an attack of acid reflux, but it is most common in people who frequently eat fried, spicy, or fatty foods. When acid reflux happens repeatedly and eats away at the lining in the oesophagus, it turns into GERD, which is more serious and painful than occasional acid reflux.
Although rare, GERD can also lead to other health complications if the stomach acid causes enough damage to your oesophagus. These complications include throat cancer, eating and swallowing difficulties, chronic pain, and more. Therefore, if you struggle with occasional acid reflux, it is important to see a doctor so that it does not lead to GERD.
In most cases, you can treat GERD with over-the-counter medications. These medications work by making your stomach acid less acidic and by helping you keep the contents of your stomach where they are.
Antacids like Tums or Rolaids are the easiest way to treat acid reflux or early-stage GERD. Antacids neutralize your stomach acid, which means it is not as acidic, so when you have acid reflux, it does not damage your oesophagus. However, antacids should be a short-term fix for occasional reflux, and they are not a long-term cure.
Another treatment option is to take alginates for acid reflux or GERD. Alginates are natural sugars that form a protective barrier between your stomach’s acid and your oesophagus. That way, the acid cannot travel to the oesophagus and irritate the lining.
You may need prescription meds when over-the-counter medications are not strong enough to take care of your gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If your acid reflux turns into full-blown gastroesophageal reflux disease, proton pump inhibitors are usually the best course of treatment. Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, help stave off acid reflux while simultaneously healing any damage to your oesophagus.
H2 blockers, such as nizatidine and famotidine, work similarly to antacids but are more powerful. They work by blocking histamine, which is the chemical that helps produce stomach acid.
In addition to medications, your doctor will also likely recommend a few dietary and lifestyle modifications, including the following:
In severe situations where medications and lifestyle changes do not cure your gastroesophageal reflux disease, you may need surgery. The most common surgery is known as Nissen fundoplication. During this procedure, the top of the stomach is wrapped around the bottom of the oesophagus, creating a tighter connection between the two. This can keep it from opening when it is not supposed to.
Another option is to have a LINX device installed in your stomach. A LINX device consists of tiny magnets that help keep your oesophagus from opening and allow stomach acid to float into it.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is painful and uncomfortable and can sometimes lead to serious complications. As such, it is important to see a doctor if you often struggle with acid reflux. That way, you can keep it from turning into GERD and enjoy the food and drink you love.