How to manage gastro-oesophageal reflux?

Q: I am male 40 years old male suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux for the past many years. When I take an Omeprazole tablet, I get relief for four-five days but after that, the problems starts again. At times, I get nausea and head ache. How do I get rid of gastro-oesophageal reflux?

A:Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a continuous, variable problem and some patients reflux acid into their esophagus (food pipe) from their stomach on a daily basis, and often several times a day. The amount and severity of reflux varies according to what you eat (more spicy food means more reflux), smoking (worsens reflux), fatty food (too much ghee, chocolate etc). If you get symptoms of reflux daily, I would recommend that you take a 40mg tablet of Omeprazole every morning for 3-6 months before deciding to stop it.After a reasonable period of continuous Omeprazole, you may be able to decrease it to as required.