Reflux is a name commonly used for the various symptoms associated with acid coming back from the stomach up through the chest and into the esophagus via the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). In this article we look at some of the most popular remedies for this widespread condition which is also known as GERD, gastro esophageal reflux disease, gastric reflux or acid reflux.

Some people try prescription and over-the-counter medications to try and treat their reflux. These can work to either neutralize stomach acid to make it less harmful while others actual slow down the stomach's production of acid by blocking the proton pumps that push it out.

If the person only suffers from mild symptoms of reflux or if they are not too frequent then they can probably get by just using non-prescription medicines or remedies made in the home. If the symptoms, however, become more severe then it is certainly advised to seek the help of a doctor. If the esophagus is exposed to acid for a prolonged time then it may become permanently damaged with painful ulcers forming.

Some of the medicines that can be obtained over-the-counter include Gaviscon, Tums, Rolaids and Mylanta and these are best used for infrequent bouts of heartburn and other reflux symptoms. These are known as antacids because they neutralize the acid and are inexpensive so can be tried as a cheap option before anything stronger is required.

Other types of remedy are known as H2 blockers and these are able to reduce the acid levels present in the stomach. These can be purchased over the counter but with stronger types available on prescription. Commonly taken H2 blockers include Zantac, Tagament, Pepcid and Axid.

Before taking any medication purchased over-the-counter for reflux, it is crucial to understand the role of acid in the stomach. Acid is produced in the stomach during the digestion process to break down food. If the medication is taken without the supervision of a doctor, or if the recommended dosage is exceeded then digestion could become difficult, causing further problems.

If a patient's reflux is so sever that even H2 blockers have failed to control the condition then the may need to speak to their doctor about being prescribed proton-pump inhibitors. These are prescription medications such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosex, Protonix and Aciphex and work by blocking the proton pumps that push acid into the stomach.

In terms of prescription medicine, perhaps the last resort and most drastic form of action your doctor might take would be to put you on a course of Reglan. This is prokinetic drug that is actually able to make the LES close more tightly helping to restrict acid from coming through and burning the esophagus. The reason it is a last resort is that side effects can often be frequent and severe.

If you suffer from acid reflux and the idea of taking all these different types of medications sounds daunting, then perhaps you can help to resolve the problem without taking any drugs. Simple things like sleeping with your head raised can encourage the acid to stay down during the night. Also, wearing looser clothing, especially around the waist means there is less chance acid will be pushed up to the esophagus where the pain is caused.

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