Acid Reflux Disease Treatment Options

There is a range of acid reflux treatment options and associated symptoms. Some treatments, however, provide limited relief. It's best to talk to your doctor about which acid reflux treatment might work best for you.

When diet changes and drugstore remedies, such as antacids, help but not enough, ask about Prevacid.

Here's a list of the most common ways acid reflux disease is treated:

Antacids are available without a prescription
(over the counter, or "OTC") and are used primarily for heartburn. Typically, they can provide acute relief of symptoms, although this is limited for some people. If you are experiencing heartburn two or more days a week, even though you've tried antacids and changed your diet, it may be a sign of something more serious, and you should talk to your doctor.

H2 blockers are available over the counter and by prescription. They get their name from the way they block one particular stimulus of acid production, thus reducing the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach. If you continue to suffer from heartburn, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may develop a different treatment plan.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are available over the counter and by prescription. Proton pump inhibitors block the final stage of acid production. They are very effective and can relieve symptoms in many people who have acid reflux disease.

Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor. It decreases the production of stomach acid by blocking many of the tiny pumps responsible for acid production. For many people, taking one Prevacid a day can relieve the burning feeling for up to 24 hours and heal the damage to the esophagus, known as erosive esophagitis. Continuing acid reflux treatment with Prevacid, if prescribed, can stop the damage from coming back. Your results may vary.

Prevacid has been prescribed to millions of patients over the past 12 years. Plus, Prevacid can be taken in two forms: one that's a pill and one that melts in your mouth to help treat heartburn and many other kinds of symptoms of acid reflux disease, in many kinds of people.

Surgery. Some people with acid reflux disease may need surgery. The standard surgical procedure is called fundoplication. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter and reduce acid reflux. This improves the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, which helps prevent acid from backing up. Surgery is generally considered only after all other treatment options have proved to be unsuccessful.