How do doctors treat GERD?

Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to treat GERD.
  • Antacids. Doctors may recommend antacids to relieve mild heartburn and other mild GER and GERD symptoms. ...
  • H2 blockers. ...
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). ...
  • Other medicines. ...
  • Fundoplication. ...
  • Bariatric surgery. ...
  • Endoscopy.

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What is the most effective treatment for GERD?

Proton pump inhibitors are widely recognized as the most effective agents for treating GERD.

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Can a doctor cure GERD?

There are four approaches for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment, including medication and surgery. Often, patients respond well to a combination of lifestyle changes and a medication regimen. Some patients do not find satisfactory relief from those methods and require surgical intervention.

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How do you get tested for GERD?

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy

Doctors may order an upper GI endoscopy to check for complications of GERD or problems other than GERD that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may order an upper GI endoscopy to help diagnose GERD.

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Is GERD a lifelong disease?

Left untreated, GERD can be a lifelong disease. It can lead to bothersome symptoms, which can vary from mild or moderate to severe depending on the person. GERD occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus is not working properly and fails to keep contents in the stomach.

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GERD Treatment | Acid Reflux Treatment | Heartburn Treatment - All You Need to Know

33 related questions found

How long does it take GERD to heal?

Some research suggests that inflammation in the esophagus (esophagitis) from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can take up to 8 weeks to heal with successful lifestyle changes and medications. However, these measures will not fully cure GERD.

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How long does a GERD flare up last?

The duration of GERD symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may occasionally last a few hours. In other cases, symptoms may be more frequent and persist for several days or weeks.

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How do I get rid of GERD ASAP?

Try to:
  1. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  2. Stop smoking. ...
  3. Elevate the head of your bed. ...
  4. Start on your left side. ...
  5. Don't lie down after a meal. ...
  6. Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ...
  7. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ...
  8. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.

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Does drinking water help GERD?

Drinking water during the later stages of digestion can reduce acidity and GERD symptoms. Often, there are pockets of high acidity, between a pH or 1 and 2, just below the esophagus. By drinking tap or filtered water a little while after a meal, you can dilute the acid there, which can result in less heartburn.

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What foods upset GERD?

Foods that Worsen GERD
  • DAIRY. Milk and dairy products are high in fat and tend to make heartburn worse. ...
  • CITRUS Fruits and Juices. ...
  • TOMATOES. ...
  • SPICY FOODS. ...
  • COFFEE and Caffeinated Drinks. ...
  • SODA. ...
  • High Fat and FRIED FOODS. ...
  • CHOCOLATE.

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How do you know if your GERD is severe?

Stage 1 (mild): A person has infrequent heartburn and regurgitation happening once or less each week. Stage 2 (moderate): A person has regurgitation or heartburn occurring a few times a week. Stage 3 (severe): A person has regular heartburn, a chronic cough, regurgitation, a hoarse voice, and regurgitation of food.

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What are the 8 symptoms of GERD?

The most common symptoms are:
  • Heartburn.
  • Regurgitation (food comes back into your mouth from the esophagus).
  • The feeling of food caught in your throat.
  • Coughing.
  • Chest pain.
  • Problem swallowing.
  • Vomiting.
  • Sore throat and hoarseness.

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What are the symptoms of severe GERD?

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include: A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down. Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid. Upper abdominal or chest pain.

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Can you go back to normal after GERD?

Yes, GERD can be cured. The most common treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is medication, which can help to decrease the amount of acid in your stomach. If lifestyle changes don't help, your doctor may also recommend surgery.

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What happens if GERD won't go away?

If heartburn does not resolve after taking antacids, a person should visit a doctor for evaluation. They may recommend stronger medications, lifestyle modifications, or an endoscopy procedure to further evaluate symptoms.

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How do I know if my esophagus is damaged?

Difficulty swallowing. Painful swallowing. Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus, also known as food impaction. Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating.

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What are symptoms of Stage 4 GERD?

Symptoms of Stage 4 GERD
  • Heartburn.
  • Regurgitation of food or liquid.
  • Sore throat.
  • Hoarse voice.
  • Chronic cough.
  • Dysphagia (food getting stuck in the esophagus while eating)

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What is the main cause for GERD?

GERD is a digestive disorder. It is caused by gastric acid flowing from your stomach back up into your food pipe (esophagus). Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Some lifestyle issues that may cause GERD include being overweight, overeating, having caffeine and alcohol, and eating chocolate and spicy foods.

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What are the 4 stages of GERD?

GERD is broken down into different stages based on how serious your symptoms are and how often they occur:
  • Stage 1: Mild GERD. Minimal acid reflux occurs once or twice a month. ...
  • Stage 2: Moderate GERD. ...
  • Stage 3: Severe GERD. ...
  • Stage 4: Precancer or cancer.

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When should I worry about my GERD?

Here are some indications that it's time to call a gastroenterologist: Symptoms that continue for more than two weeks. Heartburn that persists after taking over-the-counter medications. Heartburn episodes that change in frequency or intensity.

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When should I go to the ER for GERD?

If the pain is not relieved shortly after taking antacids, or is accompanied by these symptoms, seek emergency medical care: Squeezing/tightening in the chest. Feeling out of breath.

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When is the peak of GERD?

Reflux usually peaks at 4 – 5 months of life and stops by 12 – 18 months. Spitting up crosses the line into GERD when the infant develops troublesome symptoms.

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Does stress cause GERD?

Yes, it's possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the esophagus) doesn't work properly.

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Can I drink coffee with GERD?

"Caffeinated food and beverages can increase the acidity of gastric secretions. In order to decrease the acidity of these secretions, it is best to minimize the amount of caffeine in your diet," Zigler says. Caffeine may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, triggering acid reflux or making it worse.

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