“What are the treatment options for acid reflux?”

Weight loss is a standard treatment to help improve the symptoms of reflux. In addition, dietary changes can also improve the symptoms. Decreasing fried and spicey foods, limiting caffeine, limiting citrus / acidic foods, and not eating late at night prior to going to bed can all improve the symptoms of reflux. Decreasing or eliminating alcohol and smoking have been shown to also improve reflux symptoms. Raising the head of your bed is another strategy for decreasing reflux symptoms. If all of those changes do not improve reflux, there are medications available such as proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc) that decrease the production of acid. Another class of medications, H2Blockers, such as famotidine can also help by neutralizing the acid that has been produced in your stomach during the day. This type of medication can be very helpful in the evening before you go to bed to limit the nighttime reflux symptoms. If the symptoms are persistent, despite lifestyle changes, you should work with your provider to find the combination of therapies that would work for you as there can be physical harm to the stomach as a result of untreated reflux.

Identifying cause is first step. Tobacco, alcohol, caffeine can cause indigestion and should be limited. If these do not apply or are remedied, many over the counter options can apply in step up fashion, tums, Pepcid, or eventually may need Omeprazole. You should however meet with your physician to discuss and assure no alarm symptoms or risks need to be considered that may warrant further evaluation and treatment.