11 Effective GERD Treatment and Management Options

If you experience a burning sensation in your chest and throat after eating, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This common condition affects over 20% of Americans. While occasional heartburn is normal, GERD causes frequent, persistent symptoms that disrupt daily life. By understanding what causes GERD, recognizing symptoms, and exploring treatment options, you can find support.

What is GERD?

GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This reflux causes uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. The reflux happens because of problems with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle acts as a valve between your esophagus and stomach. It normally stays tightly closed after food passes to the stomach. But with GERD, the LES relaxes too frequently. This allows acidic stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus. While anyone can experience acid reflux now and then, people with GERD suffer from it at least twice weekly.

What Causes GERD?

There are several factors that can cause or worsen GERD:

• Hiatal hernia – This common condition occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can allow acid to reflux more easily.
• Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and increased pressure during pregnancy relaxes the LES and increases acid reflux.
• Obesity – Excess weight presses on the stomach and can force open the LES. Loss of excess weight can help relieve GERD symptoms.
• Certain foods and drinks – Citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and alcohol can trigger reflux.
• Medications – Drugs like calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, pain relievers, and sedatives may relax the LES and provoke GERD.
• Smoking – This impairs muscle function in the LES and worsens symptoms.

GERD Symptoms

Common symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn – A painful, burning feeling rising from the stomach into the chest and throat. It often occurs after eating.
• Regurgitation – A sensation of food coming back into the mouth, accompanied by an acidic or bitter taste.
• Difficulty swallowing – Feeling like food gets stuck in the throat or chest.
• Chronic cough – Acid reflux can irritate the throat and lungs, causing coughing.
• Laryngitis – Frequent heartburn can cause vocal cord inflammation, leading to hoarseness.
• Disrupted sleep – Nighttime reflux may wake people from sleep.
• Dental erosion – Exposure to stomach acid can damage tooth enamel over time.

See a doctor if you experience persistent reflux symptoms. While occasional heartburn is normal, chronic GERD may require treatment to prevent complications.

GERD Complications

Without proper management, GERD can lead to serious medical problems:

• Esophagitis – Stomach acid inflames or damages the lining of the esophagus.
• Strictures – Damage from acid can cause scar tissue and narrowing of the esophagus. This makes swallowing difficult.
• Barrett’s esophagus – Intestinal cells replace damaged esophageal cells. This increases cancer risk.
• Respiratory problems – Aspiration of stomach contents into the airways can worsen asthma, pneumonia, and other conditions.
• Esophageal cancer – The altered cells of Barrett’s esophagus can become cancerous if untreated.

Thankfully, effective treatments are available to prevent these complications. Lifestyle changes and medications can successfully control GERD symptoms. Certain surgeries may also offer relief for those with chronic reflux.

GERD Treatment Options

Several non-surgical and surgical treatment options exist for managing GERD:

Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Making healthy lifestyle adjustments is the first line of treatment for GERD. These include:

• Losing weight if overweight or obese – Excess weight strains the LES. Even small amounts of weight loss can ease symptoms.
• Avoiding trigger foods – Fried, fatty, or spicy foods, garlic, onions, alcohol, caffeine, citrus fruits, and tomatoes commonly worsen reflux.
• Eating smaller meals – Large, heavy meals expand the stomach and increase reflux. Eat smaller portions spaced throughout the day.
• Remaining upright after eating – Reclining too soon after meals enables reflux. Stay upright 2-3 hours post-meal.
• Quitting smoking – Smoking impairs LES function and provokes GERD symptoms.
• Avoiding tight clothing – Constrictive clothes increase abdominal pressure and acid reflux. Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Managing stress – Stress and anxiety can increase stomach acid production and reflux. Relaxation techniques like yoga help.
• Taking supplements – Natural supplements can further help strengthen the LES, neutralize stomach acid, and soothe irritation. Ingredients like calcium, sodium bicarbonate, DGL, and aloe vera provide relief. Probiotics also help balance gut bacteria.

Supplements with calcium carbonate neutralize acid. Sodium bicarbonate acts as a buffer to maintain optimal pH levels. Aloe vera and DGL protect and coat the esophagus. Ginger has stomach soothing effects. Marshmallow root forms a protective barrier in the stomach and esophagus. Enzymes like amylase and papain aid digestion. Probiotic strains like B. longum, L. helveticus, and L. plantarum restore healthy gut flora. A comprehensive formula combines these natural ingredients for well-rounded relief without the risks of medications.

Medications

If lifestyle measures alone don’t relieve symptoms, medications may be prescribed. These include:

• Antacids – Provide fast but temporary symptom relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
• H2 blockers – Reduce acid production for longer relief. 
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – Drastically decrease acid production for extended relief. 
• Pro-motility drugs – Help tighten the LES and accelerate stomach emptying.

Surgery

Those with chronic GERD may be candidates for surgery if medications don’t fully control symptoms. Surgeries include:

• Fundoplication – Reinforces the LES by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus.
• Stretta procedure – Uses radiofrequency energy to thicken and strengthen the LES.
• LINX device – A ring of magnetic beads help keep the LES closed to prevent reflux.

A gastroenterologist can determine if surgery makes sense for an individual’s reflux situation.

Living with GERD

GERD is a manageable condition with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments. While symptoms can be bothersome, they don’t have to control your life. Monitoring your personal triggers, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding activities that worsen reflux can help minimize discomfort. Be sure to report any severe or persistent symptoms to your doctor. With a personalized approach and consistent care, most people achieve excellent control over their GERD.