Treatment Options for GERD

There are several options for treating GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), including diet and lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. The specific treatment your doctor recommends will depend on factors such as how severe your symptoms are and how much they interfere with your life. Most people find that a combination of lifestyle changes and medications are the most effective treatments for GERD.

Information About GERD

An Overview of Treatment Options for GERD

There are several treatment options for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The one recommended by your healthcare provider will depend on a number of factors, such as:

How severe your symptoms are
When your symptoms occur
How much they interfere with your life
What you have tried in the past.

Specific treatment options include:

Medication
Diet and lifestyle changes
Surgery.

Medication as a GERD Treatment Option

As part of your GERD treatment, your doctor may need to prescribe medications that lower the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications that can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to contract more, helping to close off the opening between the esophagus and the stomach.

Sometimes, the problem is caused by another medication you are already taking. In these cases, you may be able to stop taking such a medication. However, this depends on what the medication is and why you need to take it. For these reasons, the decision to stop taking a medication should be discussed with your doctor first.

(Click Medication for GERD to learn more about specific GERD medications.)

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