CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS

PPI’s and H2 Blockers do not prevent reflux; they only reduce the acidity of reflux. Because these drugs do not change the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, non-acid reflux still occurs.

Treatment options for people who suffer from GERD vary widely depending on the severity and symptoms of their disease, however, there are currently three primary means of treating GERD: lifestyle changes, medical therapy or surgical intervention. Always consult your physician when considering treatment options.

Lifestyle Changes

Infrequent heartburn may be controlled by lifestyle changes such as weight loss, smoking cessation and eating modifications.

Taking the following steps may aid in reducing the frequency and severity of reflux episodes:

• Eating smaller meals
• Avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and chocolate
• Remaining upright after meals
• Eating evening meals several hours before going to bed
• Sleeping with the head of the mattress elevated

Taking steps such as these may help to reduce the symptoms associated with infrequent reflux, however, for patients who have moderate to severe GERD, lifestyle changes alone may not completely relieve symptoms.

Medical Therapy

Medications used to treat GERD fall into three categories: antacids, H2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s).

Antacids
Antacids are drugs that neutralize stomach acid. While effective for immediate, short-term relief, antacids are typically not effective in preventing chronic heartburn. Common antacids include: Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Alka-Seltzer®, and Rolaids®.

H2 Blockers
H2 (histamine) inhibitors act on the acid producing cells (parietal cells) of the stomach. H2 blockers prevent histamine from stimulating the parietal cell, reducing the amount of acid each cell produces. H2 blockers have limited effectiveness since they only work for 8-12 hours, so taking an H2 blockers in the morning may not prevent acid production and heartburn later in the day. Common H2 blockers include: Tagamet®, Zantac®, and Pepcid®.

Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s) are the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of heartburn and acid-related disorders. They work by blocking the site of acid production in the parietal cells of the stomach, these acid producing sites are called a proton pumps.

Proton Pump Inhibitors are generally more potent at suppressing acid secretion and have a longer duration of efficacy than H2 blockers. Common PPI’s include: Nexium®, Prevacid®, and Protonix®.

It is important to note, that while each of these medications may reduce the symptoms associated with acid reflux, they do not restore the function of the body’s natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. Therefore, while acid related symptoms may be reduced, symptoms related to non-acid reflux will continue.

It is also important to note that each of these drugs requires lifetime therapy; symptoms will return shortly after a patient discontinues their use.

Surgical Treatment

Anti-reflux surgery is performed through open or laparoscopic incisions in the abdominal wall. Currently, the standard of care for surgical treatment of GERD is the Nissen Fundoplication procedure. The Nissen Fundoplication procedure involves wrapping a portion of the stomach around the esophagus to reinforce the weakened Lower Esophageal Sphincter.

While typically effective, the Nissen procedure has several shortcomings that have limited its use:

• Potential complications including dysphagia, gas bloat, and an inability to belch or vomit
• Potential loss of effectiveness over time
• Overnight hospitalization
• Recovery period lasting several days

A New Treatment Option

Torax Medical has developed a new technology for the treatment of GERD; to learn more about this technology follow the link below.

LINX™ Reflux Management System >>