Acid Reflux Remedies

If you’re experiencing heartburn, dyspepsia or regurgitation, you may be suffering from acid reflux. You should immediately go to your doctor and find out Acid Reflux Remedies.

 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or acid reflux in layman’s terms, is a type of condition in which the liquid content of the stomach goes back or refluxes into the esophagus. This liquid can cause esophagitis; although noticeable signs of inflammation occur only in a minority of patients. The common symptoms of GERD usually occur after eating a heavy meal. Those who suffer from this condition also feel the discomfort when they are lifting a heavy object or bending over, as well as when they are lying on their backs.

 

GERD patients usually show abnormal muscle or nerve function in the stomach. Such abnormalities cause impaired motility, which is the incapability of muscles to act spontaneously. The stomach muscles do not contract normally, which delay the emptying of the stomach and increase the risk for acid back up.

 

Several studies reveal that a big percentage of patients with frequent acid reflux symptoms experience them at night. Nighttime acid reflux is more painful than those that occur in other parts of the day; although the level of pain does not always signify the degree of damage it can cause to the esophagus.

 

There is a high percentage of pregnant women experiencing heartburn. Hormonal changes and pressure caused by the growing fetus can cause this acid reflux symptom. In most cases, however, heartburn goes away after delivery.

 

Antacids are one of the recommended acid reflux remedies to ease the symptoms. Combined with hydroxide or bicarbonate ions to help neutralize the acid, antacids basically contain three basic salts: calcium, magnesium and aluminum. Taking antacids should be in moderation since they have side effects. These salts can either cause diarrhea or constipation.

 

Foaming agents are also effective acid reflux remedies because they cover the stomach contents with foam to avoid reflux. H2 blockers such as cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine are over-the-counter drugs stop acid production. Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and esomeprazole are more effective than H2 blockers and can relieve symptoms in almost everyone who has GERD. These, however, are only available by prescription.

 

Since acid reflux remedies work in different ways, combining them may help control the symptoms. People who experience heartburn after eating may take both H2 blockers and antacids. The antacids help neutralize the acid in the stomach, while the H2 blockers act on acid production.

 

Aside from knowing the acid reflux remedies, you also have to know the food you should avoid. Citrus fruits, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, and fried, fatty or spicy food can worsen the symptoms of GERD.