Gastro oesophageal reflux disorders are mainly treated by medication. Most people find that antacids, taken before and after meals and at bedtime, successfully control the symptoms.

Antacids neutralize acids in the gastrointestinal system. They combine with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form salt and water. Antacids differ in their reaction time, neutralizing capacity, side-effects, complications and price. Their main side-effect is that they can change bowel habits, resulting in flatulence, constipation or diarrhoea.

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If simple antacids are insufficient to control the symptoms, then tablets to reduce acid secretion will usually be tried. This often starts with drugs called histamine antagonists. If these are unsuccessful, then a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors are used. These are powerful and very effective. They work by preventing the stomach from producing any acid at all, and will also prevent the complications of gastro oesophageal reflux. They also require very frequent dosing to be effective, i.e. four hourly.

If medical therapy has been unsuccessful, which happens in only a small number of cases, you could have a type of laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery called fundoplication, in which the oesophageal sphinctre is strengthened. This is indicated if there are complications or medication is too costly. However, surgery may not be successful if symptoms are not responsive to protein pump inhibitors (PPI's)

Read more:
Peptic ulcers, heartburn and diet
Are you at risk for developing gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder (GORD)?

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