Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also referred to as acid reflux, is a physiological condition that causes the regurgitation of the stomach content into the esophagus and throat. Acid reflux is very common and may occur due to inappropriate diet, stress and unhealthy lifestyle. Some people are frequently confronted with acid reflux and in time they can develop serious complications. Physiological abnormalities seem to be the main cause for acid reflux (weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter, uncontrolled contractions of the sphincter, low pressure at the bottom of the esophagus due to abnormal positioning of the sphincter, etc). People who suffer from acid reflux as a consequence of physiological abnormalities can only overcome their condition through the means of ongoing medical treatment for acid reflux or surgery.

Surgery is a good way of overcoming the condition, but it is not appropriate for all patients. Surgery is recommended only in the chronic forms of acid reflux and for most patients, oral medical treatments for acid reflux provide satisfactory results. Combined with an appropriate diet, most treatments for acid reflux can ameliorate the condition within days.

The most common treatments for acid reflux consist of antacids, histamine antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, pro-motility drugs and foam barriers.

Antacids quickly neutralize the excess of gastric acid inside the stomach. Prescribed in most treatments for acid reflux, antacids are usually very efficient in controlling the levels of digestive fluids. Although antacids provide quick results, their effects are only temporary. The treatments for acid reflux that consist only of antacids can