Acid Reflux Relief

If you often experience the pain of heartburn or other symptoms of or acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), then you may be able to take comfort in the knowledge that having immediate Acid Reflux Relief can be as simple as taking over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Antacids are medications that can help neutralize gastric acid; most of them contain calcium carbonate to do so.

 

For many people, an OTC antacid can give immediate though short-term acid reflux relief. Antacids work best when taken 30 to 60 minutes before you eat. One particular OTC heartburn treatment works as both an antacid and a foam barrier where the esophagus empties into the top of the stomach. A foaming agent in this tablet creates a physical barrier to help prevent acid reflux.

 

Make sure that you do not overdo antacid medication since it may trigger side effects like constipation or diarrhea. To reduce such side effects, you may have to avoid the antacid brands that contain either aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide. Antacids containing aluminum tend to cause constipation, and those containing magnesium tend to cause diarrhea.

 

For persistent heartburn symptoms, a doctor may suggest a powerful long-term drug called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), like dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, or rabeprazole, to reduce the stomach’s production of acid. PPIs are normally taken an hour before meals (except for Zegerid, a combination of omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate) because they act slowly, and they should be taken every day to be effective. Alternatively, the doctor could suggest a metoclopramide, which is an antiemetic drug and makes the stomach empty itself faster. It does so by strengthening the digestive contractions that move food through the digestive tract. The faster your digestion, the less likely you are to have heartburn.

 

People have other options for acid reflux relief that do not involve drugs. They could change their style of eating and try having smaller meals. Their meals should omit foods that can trigger heartburn, like caffeine, chocolate, citrus, tomato, fried food, spices, peppermint, and carbonated beverages. Not eating for two or three hours before bedtime eases heartburn symptoms also.

 

Cutting back on alcohol consumption can lead to acid reflux relief too. If you happen to be a smoker, you really should make the decision to quit smoking. If your doctor finds that you are overweight, then you should make a serious effort to lose the excess weight.

 

You should see your doctor if you get symptoms of acid reflux two or more times a week or if medication does not bring lasting acid reflux relief for you. Always talk to your doctor about any chest pain you have; mild heart attacks have sometimes been mistaken for heartburn.