The treatment of heartburn should be based on a case by case basis - depending on the severity of symptoms and how often you experience symptoms of heartburn.

Treatment of heartburn to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence ... One must first identify the foods "at risk" for ( acid reflux): soda, white wine (especially not on an empty stomach), spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus, coffee, etc..

Be sure to chew your food properly so that the stomach doesn't have to work as hard (producing more acid) And eat lighter (less fat), and at least three hours before bedtime. Sleeping preferably on the left side, head of the bed elevated. Finally, avoid smoking, stress and tight clothing.

It seems that only the raising of the head of the bed with blocks in case of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also called GERD) is a nocturnal effect.

The links between diet and reflux and then burning are still largely unknown and unproven. One certainty excluding fatty foods and tobacco in particular can not hurt ... health. However, weight loss in people corpulent certainly improves reflux and its natural evolution.

Acid reflux medication

Without evidence of the effectiveness of these brands, burning or rather the stomach can be helped when the pain occurs less than once a week.

These drugs belong to two families or antacids (which are mixed in to reduce gastric acidity) or alginates (which form a protective film of the esophagus).

There are a host of products for relief of heartburn, one carrying an anti-acid exclusive local, others are a combination of an antacid and an alginate (preferably used in the case of reflux) and others, dressings digestive based diosmectite, kaolin, etc.. by covering that protects the lining of the esophagus from acid reflux.

Choosing according to its form (chewable tablets or suck as references, gel, syrup, bag ...) and of course the taste and its efficiency: Relieves quickly? Completely?

The drug can be taken with a meal if it is likely to cause heartburn or pain at the time because it is a symptomatic treatment.

Prescription drugs

If GERD is present at least once a week, clearly altering the quality of life, up to the pump inhibitors (PPIs) that require a prescription!

The doctor will determine their effectiveness after one month of treatment (symptoms did they disappear or conversely are they worse?). Depending on the evolution of symptoms, then decide to pursue them (by adjusting the doses if necessary) or to suspend "some time" before reintroducing them if symptoms recur.

The most logical strategy is to give the full dose PPI, we are sure it is effective, even then find the minimum effective dose.

The five inhibitors proton pump on the market are virtually equivalent in terms of efficiency and precautions. The drug, whatever it is, must be taken once daily in the morning before breakfast, so that all pumps can be inhibited. Side effects are nonexistent regardless of the duration of treatment.

GERD is not a serious illness, the decision for surgery, even laparoscopy requires careful consideration because of the risks involved. There are different surgical techniques, but there is a lack of consensus on the most effective.