If the stomach empties slowly GERD and esophagitis are more common. Antacids help mild regurgitation used one hour and three hours after eating and at bedtime such as liquid Maalox or Mylanta. In severe recurrent regurgitation treatment to reduce reflux involves life style changes, medicine, and possibly surgery to improve the valvular function of the lower esophagus. Reglan can increase the L.E.S. pressure and speed gastric emptying. That's a long list but many elderly use these medicines.
More severe disease requires hydrochloric acid pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or lansoprazole.
If resistant to treatment more than one anti-reflux medicine may be used or in some patients an operation may be indicated. Symptoms can reoccur in about one quarter after six months. The lining of the esophagus continuously exposed to acid or bilious alkaline or both can change its type and become more susceptible to cancerous changes. Reflux esophagitis is likely to relapse so patients with GERD need careful follow-up. The symptoms of GERD or heartburn can be a nuisance or be a severe health problem but careful management can get rid of symptoms and complications.