Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. It is important to maintain a healthy diet, avoid foods that trigger symptoms, and exercise regularly.
Eliminate Trigger Foods: Trigger foods are those that irritate the digestive system and can cause acid reflux. Common trigger foods include spicy foods, fried foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and garlic. It is important to identify and avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
Eat Smaller Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce symptoms. Eating large meals can put extra pressure on the stomach, which can cause acid to be forced up into the esophagus.
Chew Gum: Chewing gum after eating can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. The saliva produced while chewing can help neutralize excess stomach acid.
Avoid Reclining After Eating: Lying down after eating can put extra pressure on the stomach, which can cause acid reflux. It is best to wait at least three hours after eating before lying down.
OTC Medications
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are several over-the-counter medications that can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
Antacids: Antacids are medications that can help neutralize stomach acid. Common antacids include Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox.
H2 Blockers: H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Common H2 blockers include Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet.
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors are medications that reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Common proton pump inhibitors include Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium.
Prescription Medications
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
Prokinetics: Prokinetics are medications that help reduce symptoms by increasing the pressure at the lower end of the esophagus. Common prokinetics include Reglan and Urecholine.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases that do not respond to lifestyle changes or medications.