Acid reflux treatment is required for you to impact this stomach condition that can cause all kinds of heartache and grief! If you have GERD or normally experience heartburn, then you know that a common symptom which is synonymous with this belly condition is discomfort, pain and a burning in your chest. Treatment is also needed to prevent long-term damage.
One of the first options necessary to treat acid reflux is to make lifestyle changes. But if this does not work out, then medication just might be next in line. Let’s talk about a few of the different kinds of medication that are often recommended by many healthcare providers:
1. Over the counter antacids – this neutralizes the acids in the stomach.
* Aluminum Hydroxide
* Calcium Hydroxide
* Calcium Carbonate
* Magnesium Hydroxide
* Magnesium Carbonate
* Magaldrate – this contains aluminum and magnesium
* Sodium Bicarbonate
2. Over the counter foaming agents – this lie in top stomach contents and this medication decreases the ability of the acid to come in contact with the esophagus.
* Alginic Acid (Gaviscon)
* Sodium Alginate (Gaviscon)
3. Over the Counter H2 Receptor Antagonist – it decreases the production of acid.
* Ranitidine (Zantac, generics)
* Famotidine (Pepcid, Fluxid, Ulcidine, generics)
* Cimetidine (Tagamet, generics)
* Nizatidine (Axid, generics)
4. Prescription strength H2-receptor antagonists – this type lessens the production of acid. These kinds of medications relieve symptoms in 60% of patients and heal mild esophageal complications in 40% of patients.
* Ranitidine (Zantac, generics)
* Famotidine (Pepcid, Fluxid, Ulcidibe, generics)
* Cimetidine (Tagamet, generics)
* Nizatadine (Axid, generics)
5. Proton Pump Inhibitors PPI – this kind also helps to reduce acid secretion and rapid symptoms relief with healing rates in about 90% of patients.
* Esomeprazole (Nexium
* Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
* Omeprazole (Losec, Prilosec, Zegerid)
* Pantoprazole (Pantolol, Protonix)
* Rabeprazole (AcipHex)
6. Prokinetics – this help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and increase rate of stomach emptying. It has a high incidence of side effects and most are of little benefit except in delayed gastric emptying or alkaline esophagitis.
* Bethanol (Urecholine, Duvoid, Urabeth)
* Metoclopramide (Reglan, generic forms)
* Domeperiodone
If still medications are not effective and the symptoms become more severe it is absolutely necessary for you to see a physician. Acid reflux treatment options are many but you need help from a professional to determine a suitable one specifically for you.