Treatment for gastroesophageal reflux involves dietary changes, lifestyle, use of medications and, in more severe cases, surgery to correct the problem.
Symptoms of reflux, such as heartburn or regurgitation, usually go away with proper treatment of the disease, decreasing pain, burning and discomfort of the patient. See also: Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
Here's what you can do at home:
Reflux Remedies
The main remedies used to treat reflux are:
- Antacids: neutralize the acidity of the stomach and avoid the burning sensation in the esophagus. Ex: Magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate.
- Inhibitors of acid production: they inhibit the production of acid in the stomach, reducing the burning caused by reflux. Ex: Omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole or ranitidine.
- Gastric emptying accelerators : accelerate the emptying of the stomach, decreasing the time the food remains in this organ. Ex: Metaclopramide and domperidone;
- Gastric shields : they form a protective barrier in the mucosa of the stomach and the esophagus. Ex: Sucralfate.
Some of these medications may be associated to make treatment more effective. See more about these remedies.
Home Remedies for Reflux
Some home remedies that can be used to treat reflux are:
- Water with lemon;
- Ginger tea;
- Chamomile tea;
- Apple vinegar;
- Slug juice.
These natural remedies improve digestion and decrease the acidity of the stomach, being important allies in the fight against reflux. Here's how to use these foods in: Home remedy for gastroesophageal reflux.
Caring for food
Feeding precautions to prevent reflux symptoms are:
- Eat in smaller amounts every 2 or 3 hours;
- Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables;
- Increase consumption of fiber-rich whole foods;
- Prefer lean meats, fish and milk and skim derivatives;
- Avoid drinking liquids during meals;
- Avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime;
- Avoid lying down or exercising right after meals;
- Avoid consumption of fatty meats, sausage, bacon and sausage;
- Avoid coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages;
- Avoid chocolate, pepper and very seasoned foods.
Another tip that works is to raise the head of the bed by at least 10 cm by placing a piece of wood under the legs of the headboard. This helps prevent stomach fluid from returning to the esophagus, causing reflux.
It is important to remember that being overweight is also linked to an increase in the symptoms of reflux, and it is necessary to make a weight loss diet to achieve adequate weight and control the disease.
Child reflux
Infant reflux has a cure and some care must be taken to treat the disease:
- Put the baby upright after the feeding;
- Lay the baby on his belly up with the head of the crib raised;
- Avoid swinging the baby after the blowjob;
- Avoid wearing the baby in tight clothing.
In addition to these care, your pediatrician may also point to remedies to increase the baby's bowel movement, such as Motilium.
If treatment with diet and medication does not control the disease, surgery may be needed to cure reflux.
