The initial treatment for acid reflux is often lifestyle change. There are many elective lifestyle factors that can reduce the incidence of acid reflux. These include:
- Losing weight
- Avoiding spicy and fatty foods
- Sleeping on an incline
- Wearing looser clothes
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
- Eat at least three hours before bedtime
The first course of medical treatment is often medication, which includes proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. These medications are often effective in the short-term, however, they do not address the underlying condition of a faulty lower esophageal sphincter.
Some cases of GERD do not respond to non-invasive treatments or medication. A more permanent option for the elimination or improvement of acid reflux is surgery. While more invasive than medication, surgery is long-lasting, so the erosion of the esophagus can be halted and damage can start to be reversed.