Some conservative treatments work just as well.
Are you one of the millions of Americans who suffer from GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder) more popularly known as plain old heartburn? If you are, you are probably well acquainted with all the over- the-counter treatments for this uncomfortable disorder. Among the most popular are the antacids, such as Maalox, Tums and Mylanta . While the ingredients are different, all are agents that help to neutralize acidity in the digestive tract. Taken in either liquid or tablet form they can help to relieve the burning pain in the abdomen and lower chest and the bloated feelings that are the hallmarks of GERD. For most these agents work well and are all the treatment most sufferers ever need.
A study by a UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas physician suggests that anti-reflux surgery is actually no better for treating severe heartburn than antacid medications.
Dr Stuart Spechler, chief of gastroenterology at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center conducted a follow-up study of patients who had been treated 10 years earlier for GERD to determine whether those who had surgery for the disease fared better than those who took prescriptions medication.
Overall the majority of patients were satisfied with whatever treatment they had received. The researcher were surprised however, to find that two-thirds of the patients who had surgery still took anti-reflux medications on a regular basis.
GERD is caused when a faulty valve at the lower end of the esophagus allows reflux (stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus) to occur. This stomach acid can cause heartburn, irritate the throat and trigger chronic coughing. Approximately 20 percent of U.S. Adults experience GERD symptoms at least once a week. If GERD is severe it can cause ulcers in the lining of the esophagus and increase the risk of esophageal cancer, which is usually fatal. Standard treatment involves either a surgical procedure to repair the valve or medical treatment of prescription medication that reduces the production of stomach acid.
In reporting this research Dr. Spechler stated, "Patients who are going to have an operation should consider very carefully their reasons for having the surgery. If they believe that surgery will allow them to never again take medicine for the treatment of reflux disease or that they are preventing a cancer of the esophagus, this study does not support either of these contentions."
As with any medical treatment be sure you know all the options, ask questions and find out what outcome to expect. If a surgical procedure is proposed, carefully weigh the risks and possible complications against the possible outcomes.
GERD Treatments
* Medications
o Antacids
Tums
Mylanta
Maalox
Amphogel
Rolaids
Riopan
o Histamine-2 Blocker
Tagamet
Pepcid
Axid
Zantac
o Proton Pump Inhibitors
Prilosec
Prevacid
* Lifestyle Changes
o Weight Loss
o Smoking Cessation
o Stress Management
* Surgery
o Laproscopic Nissen Fundoplication
