A ring of tiny magnetic beads is wrapped around the junction of the stomach and esophagus. Your surgeon will recommend the type that is best for you. The most common partial procedure is the Toupet fundoplication. The wrapping of the top part of the stomach can be complete (Nissen fundoplication) or partial. Fundoplication is usually done with a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure. The surgeon wraps the top of your stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter, to tighten the muscle and prevent reflux. But if medications don't help or you wish to avoid long-term medication use, your doctor might recommend: GERD can usually be controlled with medication. Side effects from these medications are generally mild and well tolerated. These include prescription-strength famotidine and nizatidine. These include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).Īlthough generally well tolerated, these medications might cause diarrhea, headaches, nausea, or in rare instances, low vitamin B-12 or magnesium levels. Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors. Prescription-strength treatments for GERD include: If you start taking a nonprescription medication for GERD, be sure to inform your doctor. Nonprescription proton pump inhibitors include lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) and esomeprazole (Nexium 24 HR). These medications - known as proton pump inhibitors - are stronger acid blockers than H-2 blockers and allow time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal. Medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus.Stronger versions are available by prescription. H-2 blockers don't act as quickly as antacids, but they provide longer relief and may decrease acid production from the stomach for up to 12 hours. These medications - known as histamine (H-2) blockers - include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC) and nizatidine (Axid AR). Medications to reduce acid production.Overuse of some antacids can cause side effects, such as diarrhea or sometimes kidney problems. But antacids alone won't heal an inflamed esophagus damaged by stomach acid. Antacids containing calcium carbonate, such as Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums, may provide quick relief. Antacids that neutralize stomach acid.If you don't experience relief within a few weeks, your doctor might recommend prescription medication and additional testing. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you first try lifestyle changes and nonprescription medications. The LINX device is an expandable ring of magnetic beads that keeps stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus, but allows food to pass into the stomach. The camera sends pictures to a video screen. A thin, flexible tube with a video camera is put through your nose and moved down your throat into the esophagus.

This test is done to look for any damage in your esophagus. This is typically done in people who have trouble swallowing. Esophageal manometry also measures the coordination and force exerted by the muscles of your esophagus.

This test measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow. You may also be asked to swallow a barium pill that can help diagnose a narrowing of the esophagus that may interfere with swallowing. This is particularly useful for people who are having trouble swallowing. The coating allows your doctor to see a silhouette of your esophagus and stomach. X-rays are taken after you drink a chalky liquid that coats and fills the inside lining of your digestive tract. The clip passes into your stool after about two days. Or it might be a clip that's placed in your esophagus during an endoscopy. The monitor might be a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that's threaded through your nose into your esophagus. The monitor connects to a small computer that you wear around your waist or with a strap over your shoulder. A monitor is placed in your esophagus to identify when, and for how long, stomach acid regurgitates there. This is done to improve trouble swallowing (dysphagia).Īmbulatory acid (pH) probe test. In some instances, if a narrowing is seen in the esophagus, it can be stretched or dilated during this procedure. Test results may not show problems when reflux is present, but an endoscopy may detect inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) or other complications.Īn endoscopy can also be used to collect a sample of tissue (biopsy) to be tested for complications such as Barrett esophagus. The endoscope helps your provider see inside your esophagus and stomach. Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat.

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