How to Treat Reflux Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms affect people of all ages and can range in severity from uncomfortable and infrequent to severe and chronic. While some people may find relief by making lifestyle changes, most people require some degree of medical therapy to control symptoms and prevent complications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Instructions

How to Treat Reflux Symptoms

1

Avoid eating foods that may worsen your reflux symptoms. While different people are triggered by different foods, some common triggers include citrus, fatty foods, tomatoes, onions, mint, spicy foods and chocolate. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends eliminating all possible triggers and then reintroducing individual foods one at a time.

2

Lose weight if you are overweight or obese and engage in regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight increases pressure on your abdominal region, raising your stomach and forcing acid to back up into your esophagus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

3

Do not go to bed for at least two hours following a meal and sleep in a semi-upright position to reduce reflux symptoms. By placing extra pillows under your mattress or using 6-inch blocks to raise the legs on the head of your bed, you can remain semi-upright and reduce acid reflux.

4

Eat four to six smaller meals each day to prevent overeating, one of the main causes of acid reflux. Eat only until your hunger is satisfied and not until you are painfully full.

5

Stop smoking to treat reflux symptoms. In addition to impairing your overall health, smoking prevents the lower esophageal sphincter from functioning properly, which leads to reflux symptoms. The Mayo Clinic states that stopping smoking may significantly improve reflux symptoms.

6

Increase your intake of water, but stay away from alcohol, citrus juices, carbonated colas and coffee. All of these may increase reflux symptoms.

7

Avoid using anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin unless instructed to do so by your doctor. These medications may increase stomach irritation and worsen reflux symptoms. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends using acetaminophen instead.

8

Use an over-the-counter antacid to reduce your reflux symptoms as recommended by the Mayo Clinic. Products such as Maalox, Tums, Mylanta and Rolaids work by neutralizing stomach acid. Look for a product that contains both aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.

9

Try an H2 blocker medication or use a proton pump inhibitor to treat your reflux symptoms. These medications decrease the production of acid, providing relief from pain and other symptoms and promoting healing of damaged esophageal tissue, according to the American Gastroenterological Association.

10

Undergo a surgical procedure called laparoscopic nissen fundoplication to treat severe reflux symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, this procedure works by strengthening the esophageal sphincter to prevent acid reflux.

11

Report any potentially serious symptoms to your doctor immediately, such as black stools, neck or shoulder pain, vomiting of blood, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, sweating or dizziness. When accompanied by acid reflux, these symptoms may indicate a potentially serious problem that requires medical treatment.