Decrease portion size, and refrain from eating 2-3 hours before bedtime. Avoid tight clothing, and lose weight if too heavy. Prescription Medications H2-Blockers in higher dosages can decrease stomach acid and help heal mild to moderate esophagitis. Promotility agents strengthen the LES and improve movement of food from the stomach, thereby decreasing GERD symptoms. The medications used in treating GERD have very few side effect.
Surgery involves numerous risks, including bleeding, infection, and reactions to general anesthesia.
These risks vary with different procedures, and are best addressed by a surgeon. Chronic injury from acid reflux can result in narrowing of the esophagus such that swallowing food becomes difficult and choking may occur. This site is an excellent, basic review of GERD in a Question and Answer format. Medicinenet, Inc. Educational material written by physicians. Emphasis on lifestyle modifications, modern pharmacology, and herbal remedies.