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What Options Are Available For Acid Reflux
Treatment?
Acid reflux is also known as GERD, or gastro esophageal reflux
disease. It occurs when a sphincter that is located at the
bottom of the esophagus stops working properly. The problem is
that food that has passed through the esophagus to the stomach
can come back up through the sphincter into the esophagus and
sometimes even into the mouth. The result can be painful
heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and throat, and
even long term damage to the esophagus if not acid reflux
treatment is not sought.
Acid reflux treatment can vary from person to person once it is
diagnosed. For some, lifestyle changes may be sufficient to
curb the pain and discomfort of the disease. These
modifications can include avoiding foods that trigger the
symptoms. There are many foods that are found to bring on acid
reflux, and that list can be a good place to begin. However, a
food that might be a problem for one person may not cause an
issue for another. Patients are often advised to keep a diet
diary, so that offensive foods can be identified and
avoided.
Other things to avoid or limit if acid reflux is diagnosed are
overeating, alcohol, coffee and smoking. A person who is
overweight may be advised to lose the excess pounds as a part
of the acid reflux treatment plan. Since symptoms can be
exacerbated after a night of lying flat, elevating the upper
body by about eight inches during sleep can lead to more
comfortable mornings.
When Lifestyle Changes Are Not Enough
If lifestyle changes do not bring about the desired relief,
other steps can be taken for acid reflux treatment. Sometimes
over-the-counter antacids will do the trick. In other cases, a
prescription medication might be required. If medication
becomes the acid reflux treatment of choice, the patient must
understand that it is likely the medicine will have to be taken
regularly and continued indefinitely.
For those who do not wish to continue medication indefinitely,
or the medication is not effective, another option is surgery.
There is a surgical procedure that can be done to strengthen
the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach, and thus
prevent acid reflux from occurring. The surgery is done by
laparoscopy and has had good results.
Acid reflux can be a painful and sometime serious disease.
Fortunately it is also a disease that is easy to diagnose, and
the many options for acid reflux treatment make it a much
easier disease to live with.
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