Digestive System Disorders: Acid Reflux Treatment Options

People who visit their physician for symptoms of acid reflux are given tests to confirm diagnosis. Tests include an examination of the throat and larynx, x-rays, esophageal acid testing, biopsies and an endoscopy (a tube that is inserted down the throat and into the stomach). Endoscopies can also identify the complications of GERD such as ulcers, Barrett's esophagus and strictures.

Once the diagnosis of acid reflux has been made, several treatment options are available for the sufferer. among these treatments include:

Antacids: These antacids neutralize the acid in the stomach therefore leaving no acid to reflux. It is recommended to take these one hour after meals or just before the symptoms of reflux begin after a meal.

Lifestyle changes: A change in eating habits may be helpful for those with GERD. It is also one of the easiest of treatments. Change in eating habits includes smaller and earlier evening meals so the food would have already passed by bedtime. The patient should also avoid certain foods that can aggravate the condition. Among these foods include caffeine drinks, peppermint, fatty foods, alcohol and chocolate. If the patient is a smoker, it is also advised that the patient should quit smoking (although the patient should quit smoking anyhow, whether suffering from GERD or not). Other foods that might aggravate the condition include spicy or acid containing foods such as soft drinks citrus and tomato juices.

Histamine antagonists: Histamine antagonists are the first medications developed for more effective and convenient treatment of acid-related diseases. These medicines work by blocking histamine from stimulating the acid-producing cells. Histamine is an important chemical that stimulates acid production in the stomach. Histamine antagonists are best taken 30 minutes before a meal. They can also be taken at night before going to bed. The four known Histamine antagonist include Tagamet, Axid, Pepcid and Zantac.

Proton pump inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors block the secretion of acid in the stomach by the acid producing cells. This medicine can also be used when the patient suffers from complications such as ulcers, Barrett's esophagus and strictures. It is also given when histamine antagonists do not work. Proton pump inhibitors are usually taken when the stomach is most actively producing acid, which occurs after meals. Such proton pump inhibitors include Prevacid, Aciphex,Nexium, Protonix and Prilosec.

Pro-motility drugs: Pro-motility drugs work by stimulating the muscles of the digestive tract from esophagus to the small intestine and/or colon to speed up the stomach emptying process. These are taken 30 minutes before a meal and at bedtime. One such drug that has been approved for GERD is Raglan.

Foam barriers: These medications are tablets that include antacids with a foaming agent. When the tablet is taken and it reaches the stomach, it turns into foam that floats on the top of the liquid contents of the stomach. This foam serves as a barrier to the reflux of the liquid. When the acid comes in contact with the foam, it neutralizes. These foam barriers are taken after meals and the known foam barrier that is prescribed is Gaviscon.

Surgery: Sometimes surgery is an option when all other treatments are ineffective. It is very effective at relieving the symptoms of GERD. Most patients will experience relief for 5 to 10 years.

Heartburn can be only a minor nuisance to many people. However, many have what is called chronic heartburn that should be treated. For heartburn to be considered chronic, symptoms would occur 2 or more times a week. If you are experiencing the symptoms of acid reflux, please see your physician for diagnosis and a treatment that is right for you.

Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux