GERD - Which Treatment Is Best?
Heartburn And Acid Reflux Can Be Controlled With Medication
Sep 22, 2008
For many people, making some simple changes in their lifestyle can stop heartburn. People who avoid drinking coffee or who cut out fatty or acidic foods often see an improvement in their symptoms. Quitting smoking and losing those extra pounds can also make a difference.
But if you've tried doing these things, and you're still having heartburn three or more times a week, what's next?
The answer to that question depends on several factors. The frequency of heartburn symptoms, plus how these symptoms affect a person's life, are both important issues. If somebody has acid reflux problems three or more times a week, he or she may need to start taking some type of medication.
Over-The-Counter Products
Most people start with antacids like Tums or Mylanta. These remedies neutralize stomach acid and can provide relief right away. These products work well for people who only have heartburn occasionally.
The downside with antacids is that they only work for a short time. Overuse of antacids can cause diarrhea, constipation, or even an electrolyte imbalance if the product contains calcium.
Oral suspension medications include Pepto Bismol and Carafate. Both of these products work by coating the esophagus. Once again, the effectiveness is short-lived.
People who are troubled by gas along with acid reflux may find relief from taking Gas-X or using Beano on their food.
If none of these over-the-counter products prevent the return of acid reflux symptoms, it's time to see the doctor. Leaving GERD untreated can lead to serious conditions like esophageal stricture or even esophageal cancer.
H-2 Blockers
These drugs temporarily stop the production of stomach acid by blocking the receptors on the stomach wall that control acid production. They work quite well for people with mild acid reflux symptoms, and they provide longer relief from heartburn symptoms than do antacids. Pepcid and Zantac are H-2 blockers that are available over-the-counter.
H-2 blockers don't take effect as quickly as antacids do. People should take them thirty minutes before eating or before going to bed.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
These are the big guns in controlling stomach acid. These drugs permanently stop stomach acid production by blocking the proton pump inside the stomach cells that actually produces the acid. Some people question whether this is a good idea over the long term, but doctors haven't seen many side effects yet.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are very effective for treating GERD and acid reflux. Most are prescribed by a doctor, but some, like Prilosec, are available without prescription.
When deciding what treatment to use for GERD and acid reflux, it's necessary to consider how often symptoms are occurring, and how severe they are. A person who has heartburn frequently, along with anemia, trouble swallowing, or unexplained weight loss, should see the doctor as soon as possible, as these symptoms can indicate a more serious problem.
References:
5 Acid Reflux Medications: Which One is Best for You?
Testing Your Heartburn IQ: Is It Acid Reflux or Something Worse
