Decoding My Problem

For those sufferers who have had previous treatment for GERD, better awareness and new technology have made it easier to make the diagnosis of GERD and LPRD The newer medicines and combinations of

medicines have led to an improvement in overall medical management. Also good dietary direction can now be provided, offering new hope for sufferers. New surgical options are also available when other avenues have been tried, and failed.

Review the results from the GERD/LPRD portion of the CAID Quiz (p. 73). Locate your score so that you can define your next course of action, and follow these guidelines:

■ If your score is 0-10, you can treat yourself with over-the - counter (OTC) medicines.

■ If your score is 11 - 25, you need to see your primary-care physician and follow the protocol provided later in this category.

■ If your score is 26-45, you need to see a gastroenterologist.

■ If your score is 46 or more, you need to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor who specializes in treating CAID or at least has an understanding of the relationship between sinus disease and GERD/LPRD

Sinus Tips:

Surgical Options

I frequently find that my patients with GERD/LPRD often feel relief from their symptoms after sinus surgery. However, if your reflux problem is severe, or the excess acid cannot be

PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS

PPIs are the newest and most effective medications used to treat GERD/LPRD. This class of medicines works by completely blocking the production of stomach acid. They do this by shu

H2-blockers

H2-blockers are drugs that block the histamine receptors in the stomach to reduce acid secretion. The chemical histamine, the same substance released during an allergic reaction, s

ANTACIDS

Antacids are medications that work by neutralizing acid that is already in the stomach. Antacids usually contain calcium, aluminum, or magnesium. Antacids containing magnesium tend

Medical Options for Treating LPRD

If you have followed the GE Reflux Recommendations and still feel uncomfortable, you might want to consider medications, either OTC or prescription remedies. Because of the distinc

Nonmedical Options for Treating LPRD

There are many lifestyle changes that you can make to control or prevent GERD/LPRD. I call this my gastroesophageal (GE) Reflux Recommendations. GE REFLUX RECOMMENDATIONS Do not sm