Treatment Options for Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as acid reflux, is estimated to affect up to 30 million people in the United States, 15 million of whom use prescription drugs such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat their symptoms.

Guidelines recommend using the lowest dosage of medications for symptom relief. However, many patients with chronic reflux are prescribed these medications indefinitely and in excessive doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that long-term use of PPIs may lower serum magnesium levels and increase fracture risk. Research has linked PPIs to problems such as bone fractures, pneumonia, and adverse gastrointestinal symptoms. A 2019 study linked use of these drugs to fatal cases of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and upper gastrointestinal cancer.

As an alternate to long-term pharmaceutical use, lifestyle modifications and alternate therapies may help relieve symptoms and aid recovery. Research suggests weight loss, elevating the head of the bed, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and avoiding large or late-night meals—especially certain trigger foods— may improve symptoms. Complementary treatments such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction have shown promising results as part of a personalized treatment plan for patients with GERD.