what helps heal the esophagus
Drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, reduce symptoms and help heal the esophagus by inhibiting stomach acid secretion. Photo Credit: Melissa Ross/Moment Open/Getty Images Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach acids leak back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the esophageal lining. Protecting the esophagus from acidity allows the lining to heal. Steps you can take to protect your esophagus from acid reflux include weight loss and lifestyle changes, medications to suppress stomach acid and, in some instances, surgery to strengthen the valve -- the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES -- that stops acid from refluxing upward.