GORD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that connects the stomach to the esophagus. When this muscle doesn’t function properly, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
Treatment Options for GORD
There are a number of treatments available for GORD, including lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures.
Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage GORD symptoms, including:
• Eating smaller meals
• Avoiding trigger foods, such as caffeine, chocolate, fried foods, and acidic or spicy foods
• Not lying down immediately after eating
• Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol
• Losing weight
Medications
Medications are used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach and to coat the esophagus, preventing irritation. Common medications include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
Medical Procedures
In some cases, a medical procedure may be recommended to treat GORD. These include endoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic anti-reflux surgery, and laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery.