What is the standard treatment for GERD?
Acute and Maintenance Therapy for GERD
| Agent | Equivalent dosages | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Famotidine (Pepcid) | 20 mg twice daily | 20 to 40 mg twice daily |
| Nizatidine (Axid) | 150 mg twice daily | 150 mg twice daily |
| Ranitidine (Zantac) | 150 mg twice daily | 150 mg twice daily |
| Proton pump inhibitors |
What is the gold standard for treatment of patients who have GERD?
Ambulatory pH monitoring is generally considered the diagnostic gold standard for use in patients with GERD. In this study, a pH monitor is placed in the esophagus above the lower esophageal sphincter, and the pH is recorded at given moments in time.
What is the first line treatment of GERD?
H2 receptor antagonists and H2 blocker therapy H2 receptor antagonists are the first-line agents for patients with mild to moderate symptoms and grades I-II esophagitis. Options include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid).
What are standard reflux precautions?
Avoid fatty and fried foods; carbonated beverages; garlic and onions; chocolate, peppermint and spearmint; acidic vegetables including tomatoes and tomato sauces; and citrus fruits. Among medications, some muscle relaxers and blood-pressure medications are known to cause GERD.
How long should GERD be treated?
If allowed to continue unabated, symptoms can cause considerable physical damage. One manifestation, reflux esophagitis (RO), creates visible breaks in the distal esophageal mucosa. To heal RO, potent acid suppression for 2 to 8 weeks is needed, and in fact, healing rates improve as acid suppression increases.
What are the four stages of GERD?
GERD is broken down into different stages based on how serious your symptoms are and how often they occur:
- Stage 1: Mild GERD. Minimal acid reflux occurs once or twice a month.
- Stage 2: Moderate GERD.
- Stage 3: Severe GERD.
- Stage 4: Precancer or cancer.
Is milk good for GERD?
But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.” Low-fat yogurt has the same soothing qualities along with a healthy dose of probiotics (good bacteria that enhance digestion).
How do you keep GERD under control?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stop smoking.
- Elevate the head of your bed.
- Don’t lie down after a meal.
- Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly.
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Can GERD be prevented?
GERD is short for gastroesophageal reflux disease. A key way to prevent it is to make tweaks to your diet and the way you eat. Have small, frequent meals. Don’t chow down on three large squares a day.