Your stomach contains a large amount of digestive acids used to help break down the food you eat. Acid reflux occurs when the muscle that keeps the acid inside of your stomach becomes weak and the acid leaks into your esophagus, causing irritation. When acid reflux first begins, your doctor is likely to use over-the-counter medications to control acid production. When reflux persists and develops into a condition called gastrointestinal esophageal feflux disease, more advanced treatments are necessary to treat and prevent further irritation. Antacids are common treatments to neutralize acid in your digestive tract and include drugs like aluminum hydroxide and mafenide acetate. Additionally, there are over-the-counter H2-receptor antagonists that reduce acid production, or proton pump inhibitors that completely block acid production. If acid reflux symptoms persist after a few weeks, prescription proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists are available to reduce and block stomach acid. Also, prokinetic agents are available to strengthen the esophagus and prevent future episodes of reflux. For severe cases of acid reflux, doctors sometimes perform surgery to reinforce the muscle that is responsible for retaining acid inside of the stomach. Another possible surgery is EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication, which adds a barrier to prevent the leakage of acid. With the Stretta system, doctors apply to heat to the tissue in your esophagus, intentionally creating scar tissue. When the area heals, the damaged nerve endings in the scar tissue are unable to transmit pain signals to your brain, relieving the discomfort of acid reflux. Mayo Clinic: Acid Reflux and GERD Treatments National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse: GERD and RefluxSignificance
Over-the-Counter Medications
Prescription Medications
Surgery
The Stretta System
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