The entrance to our stomach has a little door or valve that is known as the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. This tiny little door, or more correctly muscle, open when you are swallowing food and closes as soon as the food goes through it. When your LES does not close all of the way, acid from the stomach that digests your food creeps up into your esophagus and into your throat. When this happens you experience burning in your throat, chest discomfort, painful burping. constant hiccups, nausea, bloody vomiting and/or stools, and bloating. It can quickly become a serious condition and is uncomfortable and persistent nonetheless. However, there are some simple things you can do to help treat and prevent the following symptoms of acid reflux disease:

1. H2 blocker medication
There are medications that your doctor may prescribe to you or can be found over the counter known as H2 blockers. examples of H2 blockers would be medications like Pepcid AC, Axid AR, and Zantac. These are not as fast acting as antacids are, but they do provide more relief in the long run and can take away your symptoms for much longer.

2. Neutralizing antacids
Mylanta, Tums, and Rolaids are all great examples of antacids that give you quick relief at the moment but do no actual healing in your esophagus. These are great options to have around if you only experience acid reflux on rare occasions, but is not a suitable choice for everyday relief as overuse can cause other internal issues like diarrhea.

3. Proton pump inhibitors
If you suffer from acid reflux on a more frequent basis, you may want to look into medications known as proton pump inhibitors. This type of medication is similar to H2 blockers but on a much stronger level. Medications like Gaviscon, Prevacid 24 HR, Prilosec, and Zegerid will block acid from being produced, and over time will also begin to heal the esophagus. People with severe acid reflux get the most use out of gaviscon as it is the strongest option and starts healing the esophagus much quicker.

4. Non-medicinal options
If you are trying to stay away from using any type of medication, over the counter or prescription, there are steps you can take to ease your symptoms in a natural way, such as:

• Eat small portions more frequently vs. big meals
• Limit how much alcohol you drink
• Cut coffee consumption
• Limit carbonated beverages
• Low-carb diet can help tremendously

5. Surgery
If you and your doctors try every option under the sun, and you still have absolutely no relief from your acid reflux symptoms, then it may be time to consider surgery. There are two types of surgeries in particular that help with long-term GERD symptoms:

• Fundoplication: top of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to tighten the muscles and prevent reflux.
• LINX device: Magnetic beads wrapped around the junction of the stomach and esophagus.