Acid reflux treatment

Question 1

What are the symptoms of acid reflux (GERD)?

Answer

The main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are heartburn and regurgitation.

• Heartburn: a burning sensation in the chest, behind the breastbone, that's usually worst after eating

• Regurgitation: the flow of gastric acid and/or undigested food up from the stomach back into the throat or mouth

More severe symptoms of GERD include the following:

• Difficulty or pain with swallowing

• Nausea or vomiting

• Heartburn that wakes you from sleep

If you have any of these more severe symptoms, virtual care isn't the most appropriate treatment pathway for you. You'll need to see a primary care provider for an in-person evaluation.

Question 2

How do doctors relieve GERD?

Answer

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your provider may recommend a step-up approach or a step-down approach for treating the symptoms of GERD.

• A step-up treatment approach involves starting with a low dose of medication, then raising it until symptoms stop. For example, a provider might prescribe a low-dose H2RA, then raise the dose, then prescribe a low-dose PPI.

• A step-down treatment approach starts with a higher dose of medication, which is then lowered as long as symptoms are still controlled. For example, a provider might prescribe a standard PPI dose, then an H2RA.

If you've already tried PPIs and they haven't relieved your symptoms, virtual care isn't the most appropriate treatment pathway for you. You'll need to see a primary care provider for an in-person evaluation.

Question 3

What are some natural ways to relieve heartburn?

Answer

A number of lifestyle and dietary changes can relieve acid reflux symptoms. Though strategies should be individualized, experts generally recommend that you do the following if you suffer from heartburn:

• Lose weight

• Stay upright for 2-3 hours after eating

• Sleep with your head elevated about 6-8 inches

• Avoid food and drink that trigger your symptoms (e.g., caffeine, soda, chocolate, spicy foods)

• Wear looser clothes

• Chew sugarless gum

• Quit smoking

• Strengthen your diaphragm with abdominal breathing exercises

Question 4

Clinical sources

Answer

1. NIDDK. (2019, January 16). Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults

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Acid reflux treatment

How it works

Common acid reflux (GERD) treatments

Antacids

Histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs)

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

What's the difference between acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD?

Frequently asked questions