GERD Treatment: Clear Steps to Beat Acid Reflux

If you’re tired of heartburn ruining meals, you’re not alone. Gastro‑esophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects millions, but fixing it isn’t a mystery. Below are the everyday actions, medicines, and procedures that actually work.

Live‑Better Habits That Cut Reflux Fast

Start with the basics. Eat smaller portions and avoid lying down for at least three hours after a meal. Raising the head of your bed by 6‑8 inches keeps stomach acid where it belongs. Cut back on trigger foods—spicy dishes, fried items, caffeine, chocolate, and citrus are common culprits.

Weight matters, too. Even a modest loss of 5‑10 % can lower pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and dramatically reduce symptoms. Aim for steady, realistic changes rather than crash diets.

Medications: From Antacids to Prescription Powerhouses

When lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough, over‑the‑counter antacids give quick, short‑term relief by neutralizing stomach acid. They’re perfect for occasional flare‑ups but don’t address the underlying cause.

For frequent symptoms, H2 blockers like ranitidine or famotidine reduce acid production for up to 12 hours. If you need stronger, longer‑lasting control, proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, or lansoprazole are the go‑to. Most doctors recommend a 4‑8 week trial, then the lowest effective dose.

Prescription pro‑kinetics (e.g., metoclopramide) help the stomach empty faster, which can lessen reflux for some people. Always discuss side‑effects with your doctor, especially if you plan to stay on a drug long term.

When meds and habits still leave you hurting, it’s time to talk surgery. Laparoscopic fundoplication wraps the top of the stomach around the esophagus, strengthening the valve and stopping acid spill. Newer, less invasive options like LINX® magnetic rings are gaining popularity for mild to moderate cases.

Before opting for an operation, get a thorough evaluation—often a 24‑hour pH test or endoscopy—to confirm GERD and rule out other issues. Surgery isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all, but for many it provides lasting relief without daily pills.

Bottom line: start with simple diet and posture changes, add OTC or prescription meds as needed, and consider surgery only after a clear diagnosis. Listening to your body and working closely with a healthcare provider will get you back to enjoying meals without the burn.