DiagnosisYour health care provider might be able to diagnose GERD based on a history of your signs and symptoms and a physical examination. Show
To confirm a diagnosis of GERD, or to check for complications, your doctor might recommend:
TreatmentYour doctor is likely to recommend that you first try lifestyle changes and nonprescription medications. If you don't experience relief within a few weeks, your doctor might recommend prescription medication and additional testing. Nonprescription medicationsOptions include:
If you start taking a nonprescription medication for GERD, be sure to inform your doctor. Prescription medicationsPrescription-strength treatments for GERD include:
Surgery and other proceduresGERD can usually be controlled with medication. But if medications don't help or you wish to avoid long-term medication use, your doctor might recommend:
Because obesity can be a risk factor for GERD, your health care provider could suggest weight-loss surgery as an option for treatment. Talk with your provider to find out if you're a candidate for this type of surgery. Subscribe for free and receive your in-depth guide to digestive health, plus the latest on
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and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesLifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of acid reflux. Try to:
Alternative medicineSome complementary and alternative therapies, such as ginger, chamomile and slippery elm, may be recommended to treat GERD. However, none have been proved to treat GERD or reverse damage to the esophagus. Talk to your health care provider if you're considering taking alternative therapies to treat GERD. Preparing for your appointmentYou may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist). What you can do
Questions to ask your doctor
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment anytime you don't understand something. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may leave time to go over points you want to spend more time on. You may be asked:
What medication heals GERD?Prescription medications
Prescription-strength treatments for GERD include: Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors. These include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).
Which medication is the best medication for treatment of GERD and why?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 medications block acid production and heal the esophagus?These include antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, others); medications that reduce acid production, called H-2-receptor blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB); and medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus, called proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec).
What is the most common treatment for erosive esophagitis associated with GERD for patients?Oral pantoprazole is an effective treatment option for the initial treatment of nonerosive GERD or erosive esophagitis. It is most effective for healing erosive esophagitis when administered at a dose of 40 mg once daily (van Rensburg et al 1996; Richter and Bochenek 2000).
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