Treat Acid Reflux

Taking Acid Reflux Medication
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Defined Tag: Acid Reflux Medication.

Introduction

If you have acid reflux, then medications is an option that you can consider. There are many acid reflux medications, both over-the-counter and prescription that are used to treat gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).


In most instances, you will try over-the counter acid reflux medications such as antacids. Making some changes in the lifestyle also help provide relief. However, if your acid reflux is more severe, acid reflux medication like acid reducers and proton pump inhibitors are available on prescription by your doctor.

Acid reflux medication is used in the treatment of GERD to alleviate symptoms of heartburn or the bitter taste that you experience. They are also used to allow the esophagus to heal and prevent any further complications.

Depending on the severity of the problem, acid reflux medications may have to be taken wither on daily basis or only occasionally, when heartburn or acid reflux symptoms occur. Stronger acid reflux medication treatment is generally needed for GERD symptoms that are nastier. This is also when symptoms tend to return when the acid reflux medication is discontinued. In these instances, your doctor may even advise surgery to prevent acid reflux symptoms from recurring.Breakdown of Acid Reflux Medication

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the full range of acid reflux medication, both prescription and non-prescription, that may be used to cure gastro esophageal reflux disease:

Antacids - There are many antacids available over-the-counter. These include Chooz, Tums, Gaviscon, Di-gel, Mylanta, Rolaids. These antacids work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. Antacids neutralize stomach acid on contact and relieve heartburn. It is recommended that you try these acid reflux medication if your symptoms are infrequent and mild.

Acid reducers / H2 blockers - This type of acid reflux medication works by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. Acid reducers also called H2 blockers. These are Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac. They are generally used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid. They are also often used when acid comes up into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - These have to be prescribed by your doctor. They include Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Nexium and Aciphex. They are a group of prescription acid reflux medication that prevent the release of excessive acid in the stomach and intestines. Doctors usually prescribe PPIs to treat people with severe GERD symptoms or esophagitis, ulcers of the stomach or intestine, or excess stomach acid.

Promotility agents such as Reglan or Maxolon are used to improve GERD symptoms for patients with slow gastric emptying. They speed digestion or increase the rate at which the stomach empties. This helps to prevents acid from staying in the stomach too long. But the use of this acid reflux medication is limited by numerous and at times severe side effects.

Conclusion


Very often, doctors will prefer to prescribe the appropriate type of acid reflux medication to help in your specific situation. They do not want you to become reliant on them nor experience the possible side effects that come from consuming them. Thus, you should also always consider incoporating lifestyle changes, in addition to acid reflux medication, for treating GERD.

Acid Reflux can be very painful but it is definitely treatable. For more information and resources on acid reflux treatment, please visit this site at http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com.