There are two main types of prescription acid reflux (GERD) medicines: histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs)—also known as H2 blockers—and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Both types of drug target acid production in the stomach.

If you've never tried a prescription-strength heartburn medicine before and you have mild symptoms fewer than two times a week, your clinician may prescribe an H2RA like famotidine (Pepcid AC) or nizatidine (Axid AR).

If you have severe symptoms, and/or symptoms twice a week or more, your clinician may prescribe a PPI like esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid). PPIs are stronger GERD medications than H2RAs.

If you've already tried PPIs and they haven't worked for you, then you'll need to see a trusted healthcare provider like a primary care physician (PCP) or gastroenterologist (GI) for an in-person evaluation.

Heartburn is the uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest or throat that's caused by acid reflux, when stomach contents move up instead of down. Acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe form of acid reflux. You can get acid reflux treatment or uncomplicated GERD treatment through Amazon Clinic.

The main symptoms of acid reflux (GERD) are heartburn and regurgitation.

Heartburn: a burning sensation in the chest, behind the breastbone, that's usually worst after eating

Regurgitation: the flow of gastric acid and/or undigested food up from the stomach back into the throat or mouth

More severe symptoms of GERD include the following:

• Difficulty or pain with swallowing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heartburn that wakes you from sleep

If you have any of these more severe symptoms, you'll need to see a trusted healthcare provider like a primary care physician (PCP) or gastroenterologist (GI) for further testing.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your clinician may recommend a step-up approach or a step-down approach for treating the symptoms of GERD.

A step-up treatment approach involves starting with a low dose of medication, then raising it until symptoms stop. For example, a clinician might prescribe a low-dose H2RA, then raise the dose, then prescribe a low-dose PPI.

A step-down approach starts with a higher dose of medication, which is then lowered as long as symptoms are still controlled. For example, a clinician might prescribe a standard PPI dose, then an H2RA.

If you have mild acid reflux (GERD) symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation less than once a week, you may get temporary relief from taking an antacid. These over-the-counter (OTC) medications can begin to work in 5 minutes and last up to an hour, but they don't cure GERD. Sodium alginate is another OTC medication that can offer short-acting acid reflux symptom relief. These medications can be used at the same time as prescription medications.

There's clinical evidence that you might be able to relieve your symptoms with the following natural remedies for acid reflux/heartburn:

1) Try to lose weight if a healthcare provider has indicated that you're overweight

2) Don't lie down on your back for 2 to 3 hours after eating

3) Sleep with your head elevated about 6 to 8 inches

4) Avoid food and drink that trigger your symptoms (e.g., caffeine, soda, chocolate, spicy foods)

Some evidence also shows a benefit in wearing looser garments, chewing gym, not drinking alcohol or smoking, and doing abdominal breathing exercises.