Can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD be Cured?

GERD is the acronym for a chronic Gastroesophageal reflux disease that takes place whenever the stomach contents (acids) flows in the backward direction to the food pipe or esophagus. In this way, reflux results in irritation of the esophagus linings and thereby, cause the gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD problem. Cure for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is possible if the patient is commited to the doctors’ treatment strategy.

Yes, it is possible to cure gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. The duration for complete cure depends on the severety of the gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD problem. Curing or Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD and other similar signs/symptoms usually start with various over-the-counter medicines related to controlling the stomach acids. If you still fail to get relief in a period of 2 to 3 weeks, doctors may recommend you for other available treatments, while in severe cases, suggest for your surgery.

Doctors initially recommend you for the following necessary treatments to cure the problem of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, acidity, heartburn and other related problems.

1. Antacids Neutralize the Stomach Acid

   Doctors recommend for antacids available in the market to provide relief to their patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD within the less possible span of time.

2. Medicines to Reduce the Production of Acid

   Medicines or H-2 receptor blockers, although act relatively slowly than antacids, they give long relief to patients of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD and may even reduce the production of stomach acid for maximum 12 hours. Doctors provide strong versions of H-2 receptor blockers in prescribed forms.

3. Medicines to Block the Acid Production and Heal Esophagus

   Proton pump inhibitors act as strong acid production blockers and give time for curing of the damaged tissues around the esophagus of patients who are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

4. Prescription Strength Medications

   In case of persisting heartburn in GERD, doctors may recommend you for various prescription-strength medicines to cure gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which include:

   • Prescription strength type of H-2 receptor blockers
   • Prescription strength type of proton pump inhibitors
   • Baclofen or Medicines to boost the lower part of the esophageal sphincter.

   Especially, baclofen has the prime role to reduce the relaxation frequency of the lower part of the esophageal sphincter and simultaneously, to reduce the gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

5. Surgical Procedures to Treat the Problem of GERD

   Patients may cure most of the gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD problems with the help of medications. However, in special situations, when medications fail to help or in case when individuals want to avoid long-term usage of the medications, doctors recommend for relatively higher invasive procedures for curing gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

1. Surgical Procedures to Reinforce the Lower part of Esophageal Sphincter (Nissen Fundoplication)

   In this surgical procedure to cure gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, doctors tight the lower portion of the esophageal sphincter for prevention of the acid reflux by simply wrapping up the top portion of one’s stomach across the outer part of the lower side in esophagus. Surgeons mainly perform this type of surgery laparoscopically. In case of laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon will create 3 to 4 small size of incisions in one’s abdomen and inserts necessary instruments, along with a flexible tube and a small camera based on the necessary incisions.

2. Surgical Procedures to Increase the Strength of the Linx (Lower Esophageal Sphincter)

   Another way to cure gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is by using linx device. The linx device is available in the form of a ring consisting of a small size of titanium magnetic beads wrapped across the point of the esophagus and the stomach. Magnetic attraction presents between magnetic beads has adequate strength to retain the opening in between two different closed ones towards the reflux acid but weak to allow passing of the food. Doctors may implant this surgical method for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD by using the minimum possible invasive surgical methods.

Lifestyle changes to treat the problem of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD are:

• Elevate your head by about 6 to 8 inches from the bed while sleeping with the help of pillows.
• Take steps to lose your weight
• Stop the bad habit of cigarette smoking
• Reduce your intake of alcohol
• Put a limit on the size of your meals, especially during evening and nighttime
• Never lie down after you have your dinner
• Reduce the intake of caffeine and carbonated beverages to permanently cure gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.