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  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a disorder characterized by the regurgitation of food and digestive acids from the stomach to the esophagus. Treatments for common GERD include lifestyle modifications, medications and surgery.

    Lifestyle Modifications

    According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, lifestyle modifications for GERD include avoiding foods and drinks that worsen symptoms, losing weight, quitting smoking, eating smaller and more frequent meals, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding eating at least three hours before lying down.

    Medications

    Medications for GERD come in both over-the-counter and prescription form. Common options include antacids (Rolaids, Alka Seltzer, Tums), H2 receptor blockers (Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, Zantac) and proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Aciphex, Prilosec).

    Surgery

    Doctors may consider surgical treatment for GERD when lifestyle changes and medications provide insufficient relief. Surgical options include wrapping the upper stomach around the muscular sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus (a technique called fundoplication) and purposefully creating scar tissue to tighten the sphincter.

    Potential Dangers

    If left untreated, GERD can lead to complications that include narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers and esophageal cancer.

    Considerations

    Doctors do not have a definitive method of diagnosing GERD, and some individuals may experience acid regurgitation without clear damage.

    Source:

    National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse - Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

    The Mayo Clinic - GERD: Treatments and Drugs

    More Information:

    U.S. Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health: GERD

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