Symptoms may not be present. When symptoms are present, they include sharp right-sided pain up near the rib cage often with associated nausea and vomiting. Surgery is often indicated, although a few oral preparations may assist in the dissolution of the gallstones. Heartburn Heartburn is a pain in the chest near the area of the heart but actually results from the esophagus being irritated by stomach acid that is refluxed back into the esophagus. It usually occurs after meals or while lying down.
Antacids neutralize the gastric acid, while other drugs block or decrease gastric acid production.
Continuous symptoms indicate the need for medical treatment because the long-term consequences of untreated GERD may be serious. Symptoms are diverse and often relieved by food or antacids , although in some people eating may make the pain worsen. There are several effective drugs available to treat to this disease. In cases where H. pylori is involved, antibiotic treatment is used. Other drugs decrease gastric acid secretion or act by forming a protective cover over the ulcer.