GORD TREATMENT OR GASTRIC REFLUX TREATMENT IS ADJUSTED TO MATCH THE FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY OF SYMPTOMS AS WELL AS TO TREAT COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS EROSIVE OESOPHAGITIS.3
You may be advised to make some changes to your lifestyle, such as modifying your diet and avoiding specific foods and drinks.3 While these changes may help reduce the symptoms of GORD, most patients with GORD will need to take medicine, and some people may even need surgery.3,7
MEDICATIONS COMMONLY USED IN THE TREATMENT OF GORD
PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (PPIS)
are the most effective medications for reducing stomach acid. They work on the cells in the stomach wall which make acid, to reduce the amount of acid produced and released into the stomach.3,10
HISTAMINE2-RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS (BLOCKERS)
also reduce production of acid in the stomach, but via a different mechanism to PPIs. They are more effective than antacids in relieving heartburn, however, they are not usually adequate for the treatment of severe or frequent symptoms.3
ANTACIDS / ALGINATES
neutralise stomach acid and are commonly used for short-term relief of heartburn symptoms. While they start working quickly, the neutralising effect only lasts for approximately 30 to 60 minutes after each dose. Alginates have a more prolonged effect as the alginate floats to the top of stomach content and keeps newly secreted acid away from the oesophageal inlet.3
SURGERY MAY BE NECESSARY
Surgery may be an option for certain people. It is generally performed to improve the action of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). The most common surgical procedure is called a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.3
ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ADCOCK INGRAM'S PRESCRIPTION TREATMENT FOR GORD
If you suffer from heartburn and regurgitation on 2 or more days per week, or these symptoms are troublesome enough to affect your daily life, you could be diagnosed with GORD.5 Please visit your doctor.
