Mertz says he usually tries to ask questions that reveal the severity of the heartburn problem. These are products such as Rolaids, Tums, and Mylanta. The next level of treatment are the H2 blockers, sometimes called acid blockers. The fact that a large number of people suffer from heartburn has no better testament than the relentless commercial onslaught unleashed on behalf of Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, and Axid, the major brand names of the H2 blockers. One solution for people with severe chronic heartburn is surgery.
Surgery can also repair the lower esophageal sphincter valve to prevent reflux.
Mertz noted that some patients experience swallowing difficulties or bloating after such surgery, but for those with severe problems, surgery, though a long way from a couple of Rolaids, may be the best solution.