Treatments

Treatments

Treatment Goals:
  • getting rid of symptoms
  • decreasing the frequency
  • promote healing of the damaged esophageal mucosa
  • prevent long term damage
Treatments are directed toward:
  • increasing the pressure in the esophageal sphincter
  • enhance esophageal acid clearance
  • increase speed of gastric emptying
  • protect esophageal mucosa
  • decrease acidity of the refluxed content
  • decrease the volume of the stomach content

Many patients are able to successfully treat heartburn themselves. In situations where symptoms are severe and frequent or complications have arisen more intensive treatment may be required.