Acid Reflux Medications For Treating Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux is a painful, and all too often occurrence in many people. Partially digested particles of food are normally pushed from the stomach into the intestines for further digestion. People with acid reflux experience regurgitation, or reflux, of these food particles and strong stomach acids back up into the esophagus.
The most common symptom of course is that painful burning in the chest area known as heartburn. In addition to heartburn an acid reflux sufferer might experience difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, constipation or bloating, and even tooth enamel erosion. When acid reflux is left untreated, it can last a lifetime. Physicians have a complete line of acid reflux medications in their treatment arsenal available for acid reflux symptoms. The drug categories are outlined below.
Antacids: These are used in an effort to neutralize stomach acid and usually only taken for mild and occasional symptoms. Most of these can be purchased over the counter and are relatively inexpensive. In fact, these are usually the first recommendation by health care professionals for treatment of acid reflux. Magnesium and aluminum are commonly found in antacids, and several others have added calcium.
H2 blockers: A histamine blocker acts as an acid preventative. They block the initial process of the acid producing pumps in the stomach. Histamine, a normal chemical produced in the body, promotes acid secretion. When blocked, there is less chance for acid reflux. The medication should be taken about 30 minutes to an hour prior to meals for full effect and the relief can be from six hours to a full day. In more severe cases a patient might have to take the medication twice a day. As an added bonus, the H2 blockers sometimes improve asthma-related symptoms in patients with both asthma and acid reflux.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI): This nifty acid reflux drug category works somewhat like the H2 blockers. They don’t block the production of acid, but they do decrease the acid secretions. Physicians often prescribe a PPI for symptom relief and so the esophagus lining has time to heal from the erosive effects of stomach acid. However, like with most medications, there are a series of potential side effects. Some of those associated with PPI drug therapy are headache, diarrhea, constipation and itching. In addition, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid PPI usage as there is not enough research information on whether the fetus or infant could be harmed.
Liquid Preparations: Most of these are available over the counter and are used primarily for soothing the throat and esophageal area from the burning pains associated with acid reflux. They are most commonly available with a minty flavor or that of bismouth.
Antispamotics: These are used for prevention of acid reflux and non-acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) sometimes has problems properly opening and closing, thus allowing the acid to reflux. When an antispasmotic is used, it attempts to help control the muscle movements of the LES.
There are several acid reflux medication treatments in the market today regarding acid reflux symptom control, however it is best to talk to your physician about any other medications you are currently taking as well to get the best potential acid reflux relief.
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