What medicine for acid reflux?

Are you tired of feeling the burn? Are you sick of sour belches disrupting your conversations? Do not fret, my friend! With plenty of options available in the ever-expanding world of medicine, we’ve got solutions to your acid reflux problems. From Tums to PPIs, let’s dive into what medicine can help alleviate your symptoms.

What is acid reflux?

Before we delve into solutions, it’s best we understand what acid reflux is first. Also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), its symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation and overall discomfort caused by stomach acids flowing back up into the esophagus.

According to Harvard Health Publishing , its prevalence has risen over the years with some research showing that 20% of Americans experience reflux-related symptoms on a weekly basis.

Over-the-counter medicines

For those who prefer not going down the prescription route or just have mild symptoms that don’t need medical attention can always turn to what Big Pharma offers at their local pharmacy or drugstore:

Antacids

One pill down; two minutes later feel better. Antacids such as Tums, Rolaids and Pepto-Bismol are accessible and quick remedies for occasional bouts of indigestion.These meds work by neutralizing stomach acids hence providing temporary relief from heartburn.

However,Always check active ingredient labels before buying multiple antacids brands.”Mixing magnesium-containing products such as Maalox and Mylanta may cause diarrhea while aluminum hydroxide-containing formula like Amphojel could result in constipation” advises Dr.Jonathan Kantor .

In addition,prolonged use of antacids containing calcium carbonate- which most do -can lead to hypercalcemia if ingested in large amounts on an empty stomach

H2 blockers

Alternatively,a more potent option you can get without a prescription is H2 blockers such as- Zantac (which has recently been removed from shelves due to contamination), Pepcid, and Tagamet.These work by blocking histamines in the stomach which triggers acidity release,hence reducing acid secretion.A user-friendly bonus of H2 blocks is extended relief compared to antacids.

However,long term use of H2 receptors medication means decreased vitamin B12 absorption;folic acid deficiency,and anemic patients who rely on haemoglobin to carry oxygen may feel more fatigued than usual

Proton Pump Inhibitors

For moderate-to-severe symptoms, PPIs or proton pump inhibitors are the most prescribed drugs for GERD globally.They inhibit pumps responsible for producing gastric acids hence viable long term solution to strengthen esophageal lining.

“Common medications in this category include omeprazole (Prilosec) and pantoprazole (Protonix),” says Dr Mila Mogilevsky , gastroenterologist at Langone Health, NYU.
Nevertheless,prolonged intake of these drugs reduces calcium uptake thus leading osteoporosis, calcific uremic arteriolopathy,clostridium difficile colitis,increase upper respiratory infections among older users or even carcinoid tumour syndromewarns Silvio Delgado , Gastroenterologist consultant .

Prescription Medications

When self-medication doesn’t cut it,you need a specialist opinion.Below are some recommended options available with prescriptions;

Baclofen

It works by relaxing the lower esophagus sphincter muscle,hence reducing its involuntary reflux action into the larynx.Lack of accessibity however ranks it low on our list unless under medical supervision. Reports show efficacy using 5mg Baclofen daily over eight weeks improved symptoms scores but headaches and nausea reported as side effects.

Metoclopramide

In addition to relaxing the esophageal sphincter, Metoclopramide increases gastric emptying by stimulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. “But its use is limited to non-pregnant patients and should be used for short duration due to rare side effect of tardive dyskinesia ,a movement disorder that may lead permanent muscle control loss” cautions Dr Kovner,a practicing gastroenterologist.

Alginate-based Medicines

Gaviscon is an example widely prescribed in UK.This work similarly as antacids but instead of neutralizing acid,starch extracts from brown algae strengthen stomach lining acting as a barrier between acidic contents and sensitive throat.Clinical trials concur act within 4-5 days alongside standard PPI doses .

Surgical Approach

If medication proves futile, laparoscopic surgery known as fundoplication with LINX device insertion could fix GERD complications through strengthening lower oesophagus muscles preventing reflux .Reported success rate rated at 80%,it confers long term relief without chronic adherence defined by ANZ Journal of Surgery review studies..

Better yet, you opt-in silent and economical diets put together under physician guidance:Esophageal soft food diet,low-acid food plan

Conclusion

The variety offered gives hope both mild or severe suffers alike. While other remedies like changing certain lifestyle habits can aid recovery,it’s paramount seek medical opinions given the downside risk that comes with prolonged medication intake .

Remember there’s more to life than sour burps and painful chest sensations.Get informed,take care of your body,and recharge everyday – some redemption even comes in medicinal form.

Most formulas have aluminum hydroxide,magnesium carbonate(calcium added)

Prolong refers here time frames beyond recommended periods not before intervention from professionals.

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