Many people have experienced the symptoms of acid reflux when the stomach acid goes up into the esophagus because of the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which does not shut correctly as it should. Pain in the chest and heartburn are two main symptoms of this condition, which is also called gastro esophageal reflux disease.
Most of the times, people treat acid reflux just with an antacid, but even if it has no side effects and even if it provides relief from the symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease, the antacid just provides the temporary relief and it does not address the cause of this condition. It is considered that the acid reflux can be permanently treated only by a surgery in even 99% of the cases and that the medicines and lifestyle changes only provide a temporary relief. However, only in a small number of cases, the surgery is performed.
Acid reflux medicines
When acid reflux disease occurs, one should make certain lifestyle changes and the healthy diet should be consumed since poor diet and poor diet habits cause acid reflux in most cases. Therefore, certain foods should be consumed while some others should be avoided. However, if this is not enough and if it does not help, then the medicines should be used. There are several medicines that the doctor usually prescribes but there are also over-the-counter medicines, which are also very good for this digestive disorder. However, before taking them, the person should consult the doctor.
Acid reflux medications and how they work
Mylanta and Gelusil are the most common antacids that many people use when they experience the symptoms of acids reflux, but their regular use is not advisable by many professionals since they may cause some side effects.
H2 block receptors are a class of the medicines which are also used when this condition is in question. These drugs do not provide immediate relief but they also treat acid reflux since they lower the production of the stomach acids. Ranitidine, Famotidine are Cimetidine the commonly prescribed H2 block receptors.
The proton pump inhibitors are the medicines that help in the process of curing of the esophageal lining which is damaged by the constant acid attack. Nexium and Prilosec are the two commonly used proton pump inhibitors.
All these medicines are not for a long-term use and their taking should always be monitored by a doctor.
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