Acid Reflux Remedies and Medications
Everything from Lifesyle changes, Antacids and Medications.
If heartburn or acid reflux symptoms visit you on a regular basis, you should see your doctor. In fact, you might want to see several types of doctors. Consulting specialists like internists and gastroenterologists may be beneficial to you, besides your regular doctor.
Internists specialize in internal medicine while gastroenterologists treat ailments of the stomach and the intestines. Between these two medical professionals, you should be able to come up with an idea of what bothers you and what can be done to reduce or eliminate the symptoms you’re suffering from.
Most acid reflux sufferers only need to make a few simple lifestyle changes, making for a natural cure or home remedy, but for more serious cases, surgery may be required.
Lifestyle changes you can make to control acid reflux include the following:
Eating smaller meals. Smaller portions eaten at scheduled times are less likely to bring on a bout of indigestion or heartburn.
Stop drinking. Like citrus products, alcohol is very acidic, and is very much capable of upsetting the delicate balance of your stomach. Alcohol, when taken excessively, also impairs the general functioning of the body and mind.
Stop smoking. The 4000 harmful compounds in tobacco smoke will always assure you of poorer health overall.
Avoid acidic and high-fat foods. Acidic foods, like citrus fruits increase the chances of an acid reflux symptoms. High-fat foods like chocolate and ice cream are also risky.
Wear loose-fitting clothes. Make sure you are able to breathe well, and are relatively comfortable.
Lose weight if needed. Losing a few pounds will most likely
improve your overall condition, even when it comes to indigestion. Generally,
slimmer people are healthier then well-proportioned ones.
Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal. Raise the head
of your bed by about five to seven inches.
Acid Reflux Medication
You can find a wide variety of acid reflux medicine on the market, learn about how each one works and how it affects your body.
Antacids
Antacids, such as the popular Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids, and Riopan, are drugs used to neutralize stomach acids. Most antacids come with three different salts – aluminum, calcium, and magnesium. Most of these antacids simply combine the salts with different dosages and formulations. When combined with bicarbonate ions, these salts can render harmless the acids in your stomach, for a brief period of time. But beware: Antacids can cause constipation, especially when taken excessively.
Foaming agents
Foaming agents, such as Gaviscon, cover your stomach with foam to prevent acid reflux. Usually, these drugs are only prescribed to those who show or suffered little or no damage to their esophagus from acid reflux.
H2 blockers
H2 blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), nizatidine (Axid AR), and ranitidine (Zantac 75), are substances which, slow down the production of acids. H2 blockers have proved very effective in providing short-term relief, but do not work for everyone and must not be used for more than a few consecutive weeks. H2 blockers are often more effective when taken before sleeping in combination with a proton pump inhibitor.
Proton pump inhibitors
These include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and esomeprazole (Nexium). All these drugs are available with a prescription. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers and can help just about everyone suffering from acid reflux.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or dietitian. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
