Nexium users often forced to make tough treatment decisions

Anatomical defects, as well as many other risk factors, can lead to chronic heartburn that needs to be treated by pharmaceuticals such as Nexium. However, as these drugs cannot cure several of the most common causes of acid reflux, studies continue to discover new methods of helping individuals overcome the chronic and troublesome disorder.

The Telegraph recently explained that many individuals who have chronic acid reflux are stuck in the decision to either , especially when the cause is related to anatomical risk factors. According to the news provider, one of the most popular surgeries to correct these issues involves wrapping the upper stomach around the bottom of the esophagus, which is relatively invasive.

Though this surgery is not often the first choice of those with chronic heartburn, it is currently the only method of completely curing the disorder, and many individuals begin to grow tired of taking pharmaceuticals to treat the pain. The Telegraph noted that one study published in the British Medical Journal revealed that this surgery is becoming more popular among patients, despite the fact that it could cause other problems such as gas-bloat syndrome and trouble when trying to swallow.

There are, however, several steps individuals can take to prevent the onset of chronic acid reflux when it is not caused by an anatomical abnormality. For example, dietary choices are among the highest risk factors that can be corrected.

Additionally, researchers have developed a new type of less invasive surgery to ease the symptoms of acid reflux.

Last month, the University of Rochester Medical Center became one of the 13 U.S. healthcare providers to have an , the Christian Science Monitor reported. The source explained that the ring can be implanted in less than one hour, while the surgery is much less invasive than other reflux-correction operations.