How To Treat Acid Reflux?

Treatments for acid reflux disease vary, depending on the severity of the problem.

Common treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes. Oftentimes, modification of a person’s lifestyle is all that is needed to reduce or eliminate many of the symptoms of acid reflux disease. Such modifications might include changes in eating habits that cause acid reflux, such as eating lighter evening meals, avoiding foods like chocolate and peppermint and beverages that are caffeinated or include alcohol, and decreasing the amount of fatty foods that are consumed. For more information on dietary changes for acid reflux disease sufferers, please read our article, Acid Reflux: Foods to Avoid!

• Antacids. Antacids help to neutralize the acid in the stomach so that there is a decreased incidence of acid reflux.
• Prescription medication. Medications that work to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach or by stimulating the esophagus. A medication that forms a foam barrier over the stomach contents to prevent the reflux of liquid into the esophagus is also commonly used.
• Surgery. Surgical procedures to correct Hiatal hernia and to tighten the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes are often used as a last resort.