You Don’t Have to Live With Reflux! A Look at Your Options

Acid reflux is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. And, many of those people have simply resigned to the fact that they’ll be on medication for life or are simply dealing with the burning sensation. 

However, we’re here to tell you that there are a number of different acid reflux treatment options available for you, depending on the severity of your condition. Today, we’ll answer a couple of common questions (like what is the best treatment for acid reflux and what settles acid reflux quickly) and get you some more information to help you proceed.

Short-Term Relief: What Settles Acid Reflux Quickly?

There are a number of things that can help to settle acid reflux quickly and without surgery, however, they don’t have the same permanence and you may experience relapses. You can try some common at-home remedies like:

  • Eating bland foods

  • Avoiding fatty, spicy, or acidic foods

  • Losing weight if you are overweight or obese

  • Elevating the head of your bed

  • Not eating within 3 hours of bedtime

  • Quitting smoking

  • Drinking plenty of water

  • Taking over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, PPIs, or H2 blockers

Note: Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we strongly caution patients on the prolonged use of H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and antacids. Read more here: The Problems With Heartburn Medication: PPIs, Antacids, & H2 Blockers

Long-Term Relief: What Is the Best Treatment for Acid Reflux?

Note: If you aren’t sure whether you’re suffering from acid reflux or something else, check out our previous blog (Am I Suffering From Acid Reflux?) and contact your general care practitioner.

The best treatment for acid reflux will vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. The important thing is that there are treatments available to help you get your life back. Let’s take a look at the options we have here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center that will help you get rid of your reflux for good:

Acid Reflux Treatment Options:

Lap Nissen Fundoplication

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, the surgeon creates a valve at the bottom of the esophagus by wrapping the fundus of the stomach around the esophagus. This helps to prevent stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is minimally invasive. This type of surgery has several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:

  • Shorter recovery time

  • Less pain

  • Smaller scars

  • Faster return to work

LINX Surgery

LINX surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During LINX surgery, a small band of magnetic beads is placed around the lower esophagus. The magnets create a barrier that prevents stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus.

LINX surgery is a newer procedure than laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, but it has several advantages, including:

  • It is less invasive, which means that there is less pain and a shorter recovery time.

  • It is reversible, which means that the magnets can be removed if necessary.

  • It is less likely to cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

Say Goodbye to Acid Reflux at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center

As we’ve seen, acid reflux is a common condition that can be managed with a variety of treatments. If you are experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, talk to your doctor today to find the best treatment option for you. You can even request a referral to our office if you’d like, or simply contact our office directly and ask to be set up with Dr. Tapper.

AdminComment