Heartburn and Acid Reflux Treatment

Last Updated: October 31, 2026

Lifestyle Modifications

To reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn and acid reflux symptoms naturally.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overfilling the stomach.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can worsen symptoms.
Identify and avoid food and drink triggers, such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods.
Avoid eating within 3 to 4 hours before bedtime to allow for digestion.
Elevate the head of your bed by 10-20cm to prevent acid reflux while sleeping.
Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
Manage stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDietitian

Medicinal Treatment

To neutralize stomach acid, reduce acid production, and alleviate symptoms of heartburn and GORD.

Over-the-counter antacids and alginates for short-term symptom relief, best taken with or after food.
Prescription Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, to reduce stomach acid production.· Typically prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks, with potential for long-term use if symptoms recur.
H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs), such as famotidine, as an alternative if PPIs are ineffective or unsuitable.
Antibiotics combined with PPIs if a bacterial infection (e.g., H. pylori) is identified as a cause.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerGastroenterologistPharmacist

Surgical Treatment

To provide long-term relief for severe or refractory acid reflux by correcting underlying anatomical issues.

Gastroscopy, a diagnostic procedure where a thin tube with a camera is passed into the stomach, to investigate severe or persistent symptoms.
Fundoplication, a surgical procedure to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid reflux.· Considered for severe cases where lifestyle changes and medication are ineffective or for patients with complications.
Other surgical interventions on the stomach or esophagus to correct anatomical issues contributing to reflux.

ConsultGastroenterologistGeneral Surgeon

Surgical Options

Compare procedures, costs, and hospitals.

Fundoplication

Specialists

General PractitionerDietitianGastroenterologistPharmacistGeneral Surgeon

About This Disease

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Heartburn and Acid Reflux Treatment.

Know more about Heartburn and Acid Reflux Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

To reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn and acid reflux symptoms naturally.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overfilling the stomach.

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can worsen symptoms.

Identify and avoid food and drink triggers, such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods.

Avoid eating within 3 to 4 hours before bedtime to allow for digestion.

Elevate the head of your bed by 10-20cm to prevent acid reflux while sleeping.

Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.

Manage stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDietitian

Medicinal Treatment

To neutralize stomach acid, reduce acid production, and alleviate symptoms of heartburn and GORD.

Over-the-counter antacids and alginates for short-term symptom relief, best taken with or after food.

Prescription Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, to reduce stomach acid production.· Typically prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks, with potential for long-term use if symptoms recur.

H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs), such as famotidine, as an alternative if PPIs are ineffective or unsuitable.

Antibiotics combined with PPIs if a bacterial infection (e.g., H. pylori) is identified as a cause.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerGastroenterologistPharmacist

Surgical Treatment

To provide long-term relief for severe or refractory acid reflux by correcting underlying anatomical issues.

Gastroscopy, a diagnostic procedure where a thin tube with a camera is passed into the stomach, to investigate severe or persistent symptoms.

Fundoplication, a surgical procedure to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid reflux.· Considered for severe cases where lifestyle changes and medication are ineffective or for patients with complications.

Other surgical interventions on the stomach or esophagus to correct anatomical issues contributing to reflux.

ConsultGastroenterologistGeneral Surgeon

Heartburn and Acid Reflux Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Surgical Options

Specialists

About This Disease

Heartburn and Acid Reflux Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Surgical Options

Specialists

About This Disease