What is the 1st line treatment for GERD?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective agents for reducing acid secretion, and these agents are recommended as the first-line treatment for GERD [6].


What is the first line treatment for GERD?

Mild symptoms — In addition to lifestyle changes, the initial treatment of mild GERD includes the use of nonprescription antacids or histamine receptor antagonists. Antacids/alginates — Antacids (sample brand names: Tums, Maalox) neutralize stomach acid and are commonly used for short-term relief of heartburn symptoms.

What is the most effective treatment for GERD?

PPIs: PPIs are the most effective medical therapy to treat GERD . PPIs work by blocking the mechanism that produces stomach acid. This lowers the acidity of the digestive fluids involved in reflux, and thus reduces reflux symptoms. PPIs are available in both prescription and over-the-counter strengths.


What is the gold standard treatment for GERD?

PPIs: The most potent acid suppressive agents available are PPIs, and they tend to be the standard of care for patients with GERD.

What is the safest treatment for GERD?

Ask to start with a low dose of generic prescription lansoprazole or omeprazole. You can also get these medicines over the counter. If the heartburn gets better after a few weeks, talk to your doctor about gradually lowering your dose.


GERD: Evaluation and Management of Acid Reflux - Lisa D. Lin, MD | UCLAMDChat



How can I get rid of GERD permanently without medication?

Protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation.
  1. Eat sparingly and slowly. When the stomach is very full, there can be more reflux into the esophagus. ...
  2. Avoid certain foods. ...
  3. Don't drink carbonated beverages. ...
  4. Stay up after eating. ...
  5. Don't move too fast. ...
  6. Sleep on an incline. ...
  7. Lose weight if it's advised. ...
  8. If you smoke, quit.


Can you live with GERD without medication?

Instead of taking medication to relieve symptoms, it is possible to cure GERD from the inside out. By optimizing all aspects of gut health, including the microbiome, acid content, gut lining, and digestion, my patients have learned how to cure GERD without the need for medication.

How do Gastroenterologists treat GERD?

Fundoplication, usually a specific variation called Nissen fundoplication, is the standard surgical treatment for GERD. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter and prevent acid reflux and to repair a hiatal hernia.


How do doctors treat severe GERD?

The most common surgical treatment to prevent reflux is fundoplication. In this procedure, a portion of the stomach is attached to the bottom of the esophagus. This strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach and stops acid from backing up into the esophagus.

What medication for GERD to avoid in older adults and why?

Potentially harmful medications that can aggravate the symptoms and effects of GERD in the elderly, such as NSAIDs, potassium tablets, bisphosphonates, beta blockers, theophylline and calcium-channel blockers should be avoided if possible.

What is the long term treatment for GERD?

Current medical treatment includes the use of medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that work by limiting acid secretion in the stomach, and surgery where the goal is to increase pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux.


What is the best over-the-counter medication for GERD?

Common OTC antacids include:
  • Alka-Seltzer.
  • Gelusil.
  • Maalox.
  • Mylanta.
  • Pepto-Bismol.
  • Rolaids.
  • Tums.


How do you fix GERD without surgery?

More smaller meals instead of a few large meals throughout the day can help keep your acid reflux under control. Avoid Alcohol and Carbonation – Beer and carbonation can lead to burping, which can bring stomach acid back up into your esophageal canal.

What are the red flags for GERD?

GERD and Dyspepsia: Red Flags / Alarm Symptoms
  • Dysphagia.
  • Odynophagia.
  • GI Bleeding.
  • Anemia (Unexplained iron deficiency anemia)
  • Unintentional weight loss.
  • Recurrent or persistent vomiting.
  • Palpable mass or lymphadenopathy.
  • Family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer.


How do I know if my GERD is severe?

The symptoms of stage 4 GERD may include:
  1. Heartburn.
  2. Regurgitation of food or liquid.
  3. Sore throat.
  4. Hoarse voice.
  5. Chronic cough.
  6. Dysphagia (food getting stuck in the esophagus while eating)


When is GERD considered severe?

Stage 3. Stage 3 is when GERD is considered to be a severe issue that causes a noticeable decrease in the patient's quality of life. The damage to the lower esophageal sphincter is severe, and the symptoms being experience by the patient can no longer be properly addressed with prescription medications.

How is GERD diagnosed without endoscopy?

The esophageal pH test is commonly used to help confirm the diagnosis of GERD or to identify the cause of various symptoms. Esophageal manometry is an outpatient test that can identify problems with movement and pressure in the esophagus that may lead to problems like heartburn.


Should I get an endoscopy if I have GERD?

It is important for someone with chronic heartburn symptoms to have an endoscopy. The most important thing to look for is Barrett's esophagus, a change in the lining of the esophagus that is associated with an increased cancer risk.

Can GERD be treated without endoscopy?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be diagnosed in the office, without the need for expensive tests such as endoscopy. Learn how to make the right diagnosis while avoiding confounding symptoms that might steer a patient toward the wrong specialist.

When should you seek treatment for 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.
  • Nighttime symptoms that affect your sleep quality.


What happens if you have GERD for years?

But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems: Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the esophagus. Esophagitis can cause ulcers in your esophagus, heartburn, chest pain, bleeding and trouble swallowing.

How can I calm my acid reflux without medication?

10 home remedies for heartburn
  1. Eat a ripe banana. ...
  2. Chew sugar-free gum. ...
  3. Keep a food journal and avoid trigger foods. ...
  4. Resist the urge to overeat or eat quickly. ...
  5. Avoid late meals, snacking before bed and eating before exercising. ...
  6. Wear loose-fitting clothing. ...
  7. Adjust your sleep position.


Is there a surgery for GERD?

Surgery for GERD may involve a procedure to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter. The procedure is called Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus.


Is banana good for acid reflux?

2. Bananas. This low-acid fruit can help neutralize stomach acid by coating an irritated esophageal lining. And not only are bananas alkaline, they're also rich in pectin — a soluble fiber that helps keeps food flowing nicely through the digestive tract.

Is there any instant relief for GERD?

For fast relief- Antacids start to work in seconds¹ to neutralize stomach acid, making your stomach contents less acidic and reducing the chances that acidic liquid will leak into your esophagus (the muscular tube that connects your mouth and stomach).