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Pharmacy medicines
A pharmacist can recommend:
- antacids, which neutralise stomach acid quickly
- alginates (such as Gaviscon), which form a protective layer on top of the stomach contents
- low doses of acid reducing medicines
Medicines from a GP
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, which reduce how much acid the stomach makes. A course usually lasts 4 or 8 weeks
- H2 blockers, such as famotidine, if PPIs do not suit you
Your GP may test for Helicobacter pylori, a stomach infection that can cause indigestion and ulcers, and treat it with antibiotics.
Tests
If symptoms do not improve, or you have warning signs, you may have an endoscopy. Long-term reflux can sometimes change the lining of the food pipe (Barrett's oesophagus), which needs regular checks.
Surgery
A small number of people have an operation called laparoscopic fundoplication, if medicines do not help or they do not want to take them long term.
Sources we used
- NICE guideline CG184, Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults
- NHS, Heartburn and acid reflux
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