How to treat or cure reflux disease

Reflux disease can be controlled well in most people, and many get lasting relief, though symptoms can return if habits slip. Treatment is built in steps, starting with lifestyle and moving to medicine and, rarely, surgery.

Step 1: Lifestyle Smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, not eating late, raising the head of the bed, weight loss, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol. These work alone for many people with mild symptoms.

Step 2: Short-term relief Antacids or alginates for occasional symptoms. Use them as needed, not as a daily routine.

Step 3: Acid-reducing medicine If symptoms occur often, a doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor for four to eight weeks, or an H2 blocker for milder cases. The dose is then reduced to the lowest that keeps symptoms away. Some people need long-term treatment with regular review.

Step 4: Treat complications Oesophagitis usually heals with a PPI course. A narrowed food pipe may need stretching (dilatation). Barrett's oesophagus needs regular endoscopy follow-up.

Step 5: Surgery or procedures Fundoplication or other anti-reflux procedures are considered for severe reflux that does not respond to medicine, or when long-term medicine is not suitable.

Is there a cure? Reflux is a chronic condition that can be well controlled and often goes into remission, but there is no guaranteed permanent cure for everyone.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Ayurvedic diet and routine advice may support symptom control. Evidence for herbal treatments is limited, so they should be an adjunct and not a substitute for medical treatment.

When to get urgent help Vomiting blood, black stools, severe chest pain, or food that will not go down need urgent medical attention. Call 112 in an emergency.