GORD TREATMENT OPTIONS REFLUX TESTING AND TREATMENT

LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR GORD

Often, physicians suggest lifestyle changes to relief GORD symptoms.^1,2

Recommended lifestyle changes may include:

• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger symptoms
• Lose weight
• Quit smoking
• Avoid eating less than three hours before bed

GORD MEDICATION

If you don’t experience relief within a few weeks of making the recommended lifestyle changes, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications for GORD.

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications that reduce the production of acid in your stomach. However, PPIs are not always effective — approximately 30% of people with GORD do not respond to PPIs and continue to experience symptoms.³ For those people, the medication isn’t treating the real problem.

If you have been taking antacids for months are still having symptoms (including stomach pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing at night), you should consult a gastroenterologist (GI).

Other medications that may help with management of GORD symptoms include:

• Antacids — Over-the-counter medications that neutralise stomach acid
• H2 Blockers — Medications that decrease production of acid by blocking the cells that release stomach acid

In some patients PPIs or other medications only “mask” symptoms — they do not address the underlying cause of symptoms, which can delay the diagnosis of GORD.⁴ It is important to note that if you are prescribed a PPI, you must take the medication exactly as directed, not just when you feel symptoms.

If you were diagnosed with GORD based on symptoms, take PPIs regularly, and still have reflux symptoms, speak to a gastroenterologist (GI) about a reflux test.

SURGERY FOR GASTRO-OESOPAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

GORD can often be controlled by lifestyle changes and medication. Your GI may recommend further interventional steps for patients whose symptoms are not relieved by medication or lifestyle changes.

Surgery is only recommended for people whose GORD symptoms are not relieved by medication or lifestyle changes.⁵ One surgical procedure used to treat GORD is called laparoscopic fundoplication. This minimally invasive procedure reinforces the valve at the base of the oesophagus in order to prevent reflux.