It can be treated using lifestyle and diet modification, medications, and surgery.
This management primarily focuses on changing the eating habit of the person.
This is because when lying down, gravity does not oppose reflux compared to that when sitting upright or standing.
Reflux usually occurs after meals when the stomach is distended with food.
Since some foods worsen GERD symptoms, there are also diet restrictions for patients with GERD.
Acid-containing foods such as citrus and tomato juices and also carbonated beverages are avoided.
There are a lot of medications used for GERD, such as antacids, histamine antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, pro-motility drugs, and foam barriers.
It neutralizes the gastric acid preventing acid reflux.
Calcium-based antacids stimulate the release of gastrin which is responsible for the stimulation of acid secretion.
Although it is not clinically significant, acid rebound is believed to be harmful to GERD patients.
These two types of antacids can be used alternately to relieve constipation and diarrhea in GERD patients.
Any hiatal hernia is pulled below the diaphragm and the opening in the diaphragm is tightened around the esophagus.
This procedure is done through incising the abdomen (laparotomy); or using a technique called Laparoscopy where a small scope and surgical instruments are passed through puncture sites in the abdomen.
However, GERD patients who have undergone surgery are still advised to continue taking medications for GERD.
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