A gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux is a chronic ailment that can affect a person’s quality of life. It happens when stomach acid runs back into the esophagus, such as:
- Causing several unpleasant symptoms
- The most prevalent of which is heartburn
There are ways to treat it and gain long-term relief from its symptoms while GERD is a chronic ailment, including:
Lifestyle changes
Making significant lifestyle adjustments is one of the first stages for long-term GERD alleviation. These modifications can help lessen the frequency and intensity of acid reflux attacks. Take a look at the following:
- Dietary changes
- Determine your trigger foods and avoid them
These are all common triggers, such as:
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
Choose a balanced diet with smaller, more frequent meals.
- Weight loss
Maintaining a healthy weight helps relieve stomach strain and lower the esophageal sphincter (LES), lowering the incidence of GERD.
- Meals timing
Avoid laying down or leaning over immediately after eating. Allow at least two to three hours before resting to allow your stomach to digest meals correctly.
- Elevate your bed
Elevating your bed’s head can help prevent stomach acid from entering your esophagus during sleep by utilizing gravity.
- Smoking cessation
Smoking might weaken the LES and aggravate GERD symptoms. Quitting smoking can result in gains. Medications available over the counter:
- OTC antacids and pharmaceuticals, such as:
- H2 blockers, e.g. ranitidine
It can give brief relief by neutralizing or lowering stomach acid production. These are beneficial for people suffering from mild to moderate GERD symptoms.
- Medications on prescription
Prescription drugs are for severe or persistent GERD. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as:
- Omeprazole
- Lansoprazole
They are routinely used to lower stomach acid production. Your healthcare practitioner will decide the best drug and dose for your problem.
- Surgical alternatives
Surgical procedures are for individuals who do not respond to medicine or issues. Fundoplication and LINX device implantation are two popular procedures. These procedures seek to enhance or restore the LES’s function.
- Monitoring and routine examinations
It is critical to keep track of your GERD symptoms and consult with your doctor. Over time, adjustments to drugs or treatment programs may be necessary.
- Stress reduction
Stress might aggravate GERD symptoms. Stress-reduction practices, such as:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Deep breathing exercises might be helpful
Permanent recovery from GERD is possible with a combination of lifestyle, such as:
- Changes Suitable medicines
- Rare cases
- Surgical operations
Consult with a healthcare practitioner to build a specific treatment plan that addresses the intensity of your symptoms and the underlying reasons for your acid reflux. By adopting preventive measures and sticking to your treatment plan, you may enhance your quality of life and lessen the impact of GERD on your everyday activities.
