Treatment Options

Acute symptoms are always treated with medication (proton pump inhibitors, for example). Other measures include losing excess weight, avoiding alcohol and nicotine, eating several small meals a day and eating earlier in the evening. The head of the bed should also be raised slightly.

Depending on the severity of the reflux condition/symptoms, medical treatment is given for 4-8 weeks. However, after stopping the medication, about half of the patients experience the typical symptoms again within a few days, which leads to a relapse of the disease. Many patients therefore require lifelong symptomatic medical therapy. Over time, medical treatment can cause significant side effects, with many patients concerned about taking medication long term. An excellent alternative is surgery to correct the mechanical causes of reflux, which is a safe and long-term solution.