Those who are suffering from acid reflux are in desperate need of finding a miracle drug to treat it. There are a number of drugs on the market today that are effective, but there are also some that can cause complications or cause your condition to worsen.
PPIs
Taking proton pump inhibitors as a miracle drug for treating acid reflux can be dangerous if used over the long term. This is because they may alter the balance of bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to serious infections. Moreover, they may disrupt the absorption of vitamins.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. But some people find them helpful for their heartburn. The problem is that too many patients take them for years without monitoring their progress.
There are a number of studies that show a correlation between long-term PPI use and pneumonia. These studies also show that PPIs are associated with an increased risk of hip fractures. But the results have been inconsistent.
The FDA has stated that proton pumps should be used for four to eight weeks only. There are a number of alternatives for treating GERD. Some of them involve lifestyle modifications and antireflux procedures.
H2 blockers
Often referred to as acid reducers, H2 blockers are prescription and over-the-counter drugs used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid. They reduce the production of acid in the stomach, which in turn helps to reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They are commonly marketed for heartburn relief and acid indigestion.
H2 blockers are available in both liquids and tablets. They are most often taken by mouth, though certain preparations can be given via injection.
H2 blockers are considered to be relatively safe, but they can also cause mild side effects. For example, they may cause a headache or insomnia. It is important to discuss these effects with your doctor before taking the medicine. They may also interact with other medications, which could affect the outcome of your treatment.
Fundoplication
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a disorder that causes the stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus. The symptoms include heartburn, which is the burning pain that occurs when stomach acid comes back up into the esophagus. It can also cause an aching chest, difficulty eating, and bad taste in the mouth.
A surgical procedure called fundoplication is effective in reducing heartburn. The procedure uses a camera called a laparoscope to gather the upper portion of the stomach and wrap it around the lower esophagus. The goal of the operation is to prevent acid reflux from happening.
Fundoplication surgery can be performed through either an open or laparoscopic method. It is a fairly simple procedure, but it may have side effects. Some people may have gas bloat, difficulty eating, or even stomach pain after the surgery. The procedure is often performed under general anesthesia.
Avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux
Keeping a food diary is a great way to identify which foods cause you to suffer from acid reflux. If you notice any changes in your symptoms, you may want to make changes to your diet. If you are unsure which foods are triggers for you, consult your doctor or digestive health professional. They can help you with the latest treatment options.
Foods that are high in fat can trigger acid reflux. This is because they are harder to digest than other foods. Having a balance of proteins and carbohydrates in your meal can also help.
Using a food diary can also help you avoid foods that trigger acid reflux. You should keep a record of what you eat and drink at each meal.
There are many foods that you can eat that are safe for people with acid reflux. Examples of foods that are safe include avocados, nuts, olive oil, and whole grain products.
Preventing complications
Managing acid reflux isn't as easy as it sounds, but there are a few things you can do to make sure it doesn't set in in the first place. For one, make sure you have a healthy diet to help reduce the amount of acid you consume. Another tip is to avoid alcohol, as it can aggravate reflux. Lastly, you should be getting plenty of sleep to avoid having to deal with the nasty nighttime repercussions of having a hiccup in the middle of the night.
Probably the most important thing to do is to consult a gastroenterologist and get an earful of advice. While the best place to start is with your family doctor, the gist is that you should be getting the best possible medical care to prevent complications from developing.