GERD Treatment: Practical Tips and Effective Options

If heartburn keeps bothering you, you’re not alone. Most people try a couple of over‑the‑counter pills and wonder why the pain sticks around. The good news is there are clear steps you can take right now that actually cut the burn.

Medication Options

First up, medicines. The simplest start is an antacid like Tums or Maalox. It works fast by neutralizing stomach acid, but the effect lasts only a few hours. If you need longer relief, move to an H2 blocker such as famotidine (Pepcid) or ranitidine. These lower acid production and keep symptoms down for up to 12 hours.

For most chronic GERD cases, doctors prescribe a proton‑pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole, lansoprazole, or esomeprazole. PPIs block the pump that makes acid, giving you up to 24‑hour relief. Take them 30 minutes before breakfast, and don’t skip doses—even if you feel better. A short course (4‑8 weeks) works for many, but long‑term use should be discussed with a doctor because it can affect bone health and vitamin B12.

Another group is prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide). They help the stomach empty faster, which reduces the chance of acid splashing back into the esophagus. These are useful if you have a slow‑digesting stomach, but they can cause jittery feelings, so they’re usually a second‑line choice.

Always ask your pharmacist about possible interactions. Some GERD meds can lower the effectiveness of drugs like clopidogrel or certain HIV meds. If you’re on multiple prescriptions, a quick chat with your doctor can avoid surprises.

Lifestyle Changes that Help

Medicine works best when you back it up with smart habits. Start by watching what you eat. Spicy foods, citrus, tomato‑based sauces, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated drinks are common triggers. That doesn’t mean you must quit forever—just try smaller portions and see if symptoms drop.

Weight matters, too. Extra belly fat pushes the stomach up, making it easier for acid to travel back up. Even a 5‑10 % weight loss can trim nighttime reflux by a noticeable amount. Simple steps like swapping sugary drinks for water or adding a short walk after dinner can add up.

Timing is another easy win. Give yourself at least two to three hours between your last bite and bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach is a recipe for heartburn. If you need a snack before sleep, choose something low‑fat and low‑acid, like a banana or a small serving of oatmeal.

Elevate the head of your bed by 6‑8 inches. Gravity helps keep acid where it belongs. You can use a wedge pillow or place blocks under the bed legs. This simple tweak often eases morning symptoms without a pill.

Finally, quit smoking and limit alcohol. Both relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that stops acid from climbing up. Cutting back even a little can make a big difference.

If you try these steps and still wake up with a burning chest, or if you notice trouble swallowing, weight loss, or vomiting blood, book an appointment. Your doctor might suggest an endoscopy or prescribe a stronger regimen.

Bottom line: combine the right medication with a few daily habit tweaks, and you’ll likely see a big drop in that painful burn. Keep a short diary of foods, meds, and symptoms—it helps you spot patterns fast and gives your doctor clear info if you need a follow‑up.