Heartburn / GERD

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Heartburn 101 - Meds and Remedies to Treat Acid Reflux

By Sharon Gillson, About.com

Updated: May 14, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

There are many remedies, both over-the-counter and prescription, that are used to treat heartburn and GERD, and many people find helpful. For others, they want an alternate, natural way of treating their heartburn. These range from folk and homeopathic remedies to healthy diets to lifestyle changes.

Proton Pump Inhibitors[ br] Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of prescription medications that prevent the release of acid in the stomach and intestines. Doctors prescribe PPIs to treat people with heartburn (acid reflux), ulcers of the stomach or intestine, or excess stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome).

H2 Blockers
H2 blockers, also called H2 receptor agonists, are medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. They treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD.)

Antacids
Antacids work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. Antacids neutralize acid on contact to provide heartburn relief.

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