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The treatment and management of GERD or heartburn involves lifestyle changes and medications. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

The goals of treatment include:

Reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach
Strengthening the sphincter muscle
Reducing the amount of food, liquid, and stomach acid that flows backward into the esophagus from the stomach

Treatment may involve the following:

References:

American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/ . Accessed March 8, 2006.

American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/ . Accessed March 6, 2006.

The Merck Manual of Medical Information . 17th edition. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/ . Accessed March 7, 2006.

Last reviewed February 2007 by Daus Mahnke, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Treatments for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn

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