Digestive problems are widespread among people of all ages, especially adults. Acid reflux happens when the food in your stomach fails to get digested fully and moves in an upward direction through the esophagus. It is also known as acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux. When the symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn appear more than twice a week, it may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A person suffering from GERD may observe serious symptoms like a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), a sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth, difficulty swallowing, or even breathing problems like cough or asthma.

Here are some popular treatment options for GERD and acid reflux:

• Lifestyle changes
  The most basic thing you can do to avoid the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD is by making certain changes in your diet and lifestyle. The patient may choose to actively lose some weight if needed or avoid any overeating or indulging in greasy or spicy foods and alcoholic drinks. It can be helpful to stay upright for around 3 hours after eating any meal and avoiding reclining or slouching. Smoking can also trigger acid reflux, so the patient must consider quitting the habit altogether. It may also be helpful to elevate the angle of your bed by 6 to 9 inches. Instead of just adding a few more pillows, it is better to accomplish this by putting blocks or wedges under the bedpost.

• Medicines
  There are several over-the-counter medicines available that ease GERD symptoms, such as antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or antibiotics. These medicines help reduce acid production, heal the esophageal linings, and assist your stomach in emptying faster. However, these should be taken mindfully and in moderation to avoid any unnecessary side-effects like diarrhea, nausea, or fatigue.
• Surgery
  If medications or extensive treatment are ineffective in treating GERD and acid reflux in a patient, the doctor may recommend surgery to treat your condition. The most common forms of surgery performed for treating GERD are Linx surgery and Nissen fundoplication. In Linx surgery, the surgeon tightens the part where the stomach connects to the esophagus with a ring of beads, and in Nissen fundoplication, the top part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus.
• Endoscopic treatments
  An endoscope is inserted into the digestive tracts with a light and a camera at its end to observe the inner linings of the stomach and esophagus. It can also be used to collect tissue samples for checking any complications. There are two types of endoscopic surgery techniques that can be used, namely, sewing and radiofrequency. In the endoscopic sewing technique, the surgeon adds small stitches around the sphincter muscle to tighten it. Through endoscopic radiofrequency, heat lesions or sores are created to tighten the sphincter muscles.