Stages of Heartburn Treatment

There are many heartburn treatments on the market today all claiming to be the "cure" for heartburn and acid reflux. How do you know which one is right for you?

1) Antacid medicines are available over the counter and are effective for occasional hearturn. They work by forming a layer on top of recently eaten food, which prevents the acid from moving back up into the tube that connects the mouth to the somach (oesophagus). These treatments are effective, however, if you are finding yourself taking them 2-3 times per week, consult your doctor.

2) Recieve a stronger prescription from your doctor. The medicine a doctor can prescribe will reduce or prevent the production of acid in the stomach and allow the inflammed gullet to heal.

3) When symptoms are severe, or there are complications and medical treatment does not help, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct a hiatus hernia and prevent heartburn (reflux). This surgical procedure, called fundoplication, involves replacing the stomach back to its original position under the diaphragm. The surgeon then wraps and stitches the upper few centimeters of the stomach around the oesophagus (gullet) to prevent heartburn recurring. This operation can be carried out either by traditional open surgery or by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. This procedure may also be advised for patients without a hiatus hernia who suffer from severe reflux.

4) Alternative medicines are also available, but be strongly advised to consult your doctor before beginning this route.