According to Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale University, by making some simple changes in the patients' diet and lifestyle, it helps them manage the discomfort of their acid indigestion,
Sheth told FOXNews.com:
“Avoiding caffeine, eliminating fatty or acidic foods, losing excess weight and quitting smoking are all things patients can do to control their acid reflux.”It is important to know the frequency of the symptoms and how the symptoms are affecting their lives. Bear in mind that lifestyle modifications offer only temporary relief for patients suffering from more severe symptoms associated with GERD.
“If people are having symptoms on a daily basis or more than three times a week, we usually recommend they start medication,” said Sheth.But with so many medications available, how do you know which one is right for you?
Antacids. Popular over-the-counter medications like Tums, Maalox, Rolaids and Mylanta neutralize stomach acid and provide fast-acting relief in mild or isolated cases of acid reflux. Some antacids come in liquid form to coat the lining of the esophagus and help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. But they won’t aid in reducing inflammation of the esophagus associated with GERD.
“Most patients suffering from mild acid reflux will treat themselves with over-the-counter medications,” Sheth said. “Antacids are better for immediate relief – like after a big meal – because their effectiveness is short-lived in nature and only lasts for as long as it’s in the system.”
Remember that if you overuse the antacids, it can cause you diarrhea, constipation and, in some rare cases, an imbalance in electrolytes if the antacid contains calcium.
“You should see a doctor if your symptoms are not controlled by over-the-counter medicines because it could be a sign of a more serious condition,” Sheth said.
Oral suspension medicines. These medications, like Pepto Bismol and Carafate, are sometimes used to treat heartburn and indigestion as well as nausea, diarrhea and ulcers in the throat, stomach and intestines.
“Carafate is a liquid suspension that essentially coats the inside of the esophagus. It’s short-lived in its effectiveness because once the coating wears off it’s not going to do much,” Sheth said. “We really only prescribe it for people who have symptoms less than a couple times a week or month.”
Anti-gas, anti-flatulence. Some patients experience bloating when they get heartburn. For these kind of symptoms, over-the-counter products like Phazyme, Gas-X and Beano can aid in relieving pressure, bloating, and gas in the digestive tract. These medications usually come in tablet form and work by breaking up gas bubbles, making it easier to eliminate.
H-2-receptor blockers. Previously available only with a doctor's prescription, H-2-receptor blockers such as Pepcid AC and Zantac are now sold over-the-counter.
“H-2-receptor blockers work by shutting off the production of acid in the stomach,” Sheth said. “They are effective for mild reflux, they’re relatively inexpensive and can be used casually by people who only have symptoms a couple times a month.”
H-2-receptor blockers provide longer-lasting relief than antacids, but they do not take effect as quickly, so it is suggested that people take them 30 minutes before meals or before bed.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). These medications, which include Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium, block acid production and aid in healing damaged esophageal tissue, so they should be taken by people who are having more frequent, severe symptoms.
PPIs are usually taken under the care of a doctor to prevent acid reflux from recurring, but certain ones, like Prilosec, are now available over-the-counter.
“The standard of care for treating GERD and related digestive diseases has become proton pump inhibitors. And because they are so safe, these are the most common medicines,” Sheth said.
The majority of people who go on a PPI will get better, Sheth said. But there are other medications that can be prescribed by a doctor in the event that they don't.
REMEMBER THIS!
Pay attention to the frequency and severity of your symptoms. If need to, please see a doctor if your symptoms perverse or you suspect that you are suffering from GERD. Complications, including trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, anemia, and drastic changes in symptoms will definitely warrant an immediate visit to your doctor to do a thorough check up for GERD.
“GERD can cause a narrowing of the esophagus that leads to trouble swallowing,” Sheth said. “And in some patients, it causes a change in the lining of the esophagus called Barrett’s esophagus – a condition that can lead to cancer.”
[Source: Fox News]
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