Acid Reflux: Treatment Options and Prevention

Heartburn, chest discomfort, hoarseness, or a lingering sour taste in your mouth are common symptoms of acid reflux. Not only can these symptoms be bothersome, but they may start to cause complications if left untreated for too long.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can help treat and prevent acid reflux. Let’s take a look at some ways to manage it.

In this article:

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t fully close like it should after swallowing, allowing contents from the stomach to come back up your esophagus. The harshness of the stomach acid can cause a burning sensation (heartburn) in the middle of your chest, throat or behind your breastbone. If acid reflux is left untreated, the lining of the esophagus can be damaged since it is not equipped to deal with these fluids.

Lifestyle changes to manage acid reflux

One of the main things to consider when managing acid reflux is lifestyle changes. While this article discusses different treatment options, individuals should always talk to their doctor or health care provider about treatment plans and likely triggers unique to them.

Dietary adjustments

Diet may play a role in acid reflux. While triggers differ from person to person, some common foods that may contribute to reflux include:

• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Peppermint
• Greasy or spicy foods
• Tomato products
• Alcoholic beverages

Some of the foods on this list precipitate reflux, while others provoke heartburn symptoms.

It may be helpful to remove one or two things at a time and then document any changes in a food diary. This can be helpful in discussing possible triggers with a health care provider.

Eating and sleeping habits

The habits surrounding eating affect acid reflux, too. Lying down after eating is a no-go because it allows stomach acid to move more easily into the esophagus. Generally, it’s best to finish all meals and snacks two to three hours before bedtime.

During sleep, elevating the head using extra pillows or a foam wedge can eliminate acid reflux symptoms. Sleeping on your left side may also help improve symptoms.

Drinking certain beverages

According to board-certified Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Brennan Kruszewski, alcohol may increase the risk for acid reflux. Alcohol has chemicals that may irritate the tissue and/or damage the esophagus. Alcohol can also have a relaxing effect on the sphincter muscle, which may not allow it to seal off properly from the stomach to the esophagus. Eliminating alcohol can be helpful in improving your acid reflux.

Weight management

Extra weight on the stomach may put pressure on the abdomen, obstruct the stomach from emptying efficiently, and decrease the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter. These effects may cause reflux to occur.

Maintaining a healthy weight may improve acid reflux. Getting guidance from your health care provider will help you find a workout regimen that suits your needs. Activities like walking, biking, water aerobics, tennis, or gardening are common suggestions for moderately intense exercise.

Relaxation techniques

Stress may be directly related to acid reflux symptoms. Exercise and breathing activities can be powerful in keeping your stress levels balanced.

Deep breathing (diaphragmatic breathing) is an easy technique to learn. Once seated in a comfortable position, close your eyes. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your abdomen. Then, inhale through your nose for 4 seconds and feel your abdomen fill with air. Hold your breath for 2 seconds before exhaling very slowly through your mouth (around 6 seconds). Repeat this process for 5-15 minutes.

Over-the-counter medications

Treating acid reflux or GERD symptoms with over-the-counter medications may be very effective for heartburn relief. The kind of medication you need will depend on what symptoms you are facing. Antacids, H2 Blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are the three main types available on the market. You should see your health care provider if you have difficulty swallowing, choking, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or tarry black stools.

Antacids

Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach. Antacids work quickly and are used for on-demand symptom relief.

Consider products like this Wonderbelly Antacid Chewable or CVS Health Extra Strength Antacid Tablets.

H2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors

Both of these medications work to reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.

Dr. Kruszewski states, “For more persistent issues, a health care provider may recommend a proton pump inhibitor, which takes a few days to start working but may result in relief for several weeks or more.”

Medical treatments

As with any new symptom, seeing a health care provider may be helpful to determine the best treatment for acid reflux. It's particularly important to be evaluated by a health care provider if lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, or over-the-counter medicines are not working.

Prescription medication

After examination, a health care provider may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for acid reflux. PPIs are typically the first treatment of choice. H2 blockers are another option that your health care provider may prescribe.

Surgical options

In rare cases, surgery may be used when medications and lifestyle changes don't work. It is not recommended that patients should continue taking acid-reducing medications long-term. Maintenance PPI therapy is reserved for patients with GERD complications, including severe erosive esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus. Surgery may also be performed when there are signs of esophageal damage.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.