There are millions of Americans putting up with acid reflux, GERD and heartburn on a daily basis. The condition is characterized by common symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest or throat area, along with regurgitation.
The constant backwash of the stomach acid content irritates the lining of the esophagus. This leaves the sufferer with a burning sensation in the chest or throat areas. We will highlight some of the most common acid reflux drugs being used to relieve these irritating symptoms.
There are simple changes that a patient can make to his or her diet in order to minimize the irritation caused by acid reflux. It basically comes down to how frequently the person has the symptoms and how the symptoms would affect their day to day lives.
Eliminating fatty and acidic food from their diet, avoiding caffeine, quitting smoking and losing excess weight are some of the most important lifestyle changes that a person can make to control their condition. These lifestyle changes can help people who are suffering with minor symptoms of GERD.
But what if you have more severe GERD systems that affect your day to day life? If you have symptoms more than three times a week, it is considered a sign of severe GERD. This is when you need to consult your physician as soon as possible. Your physician will prescribe medications to get some relief.
There are over the counter antacids such as Maalox, Tums, Mylanta and Rolaids that are helpful in neutralizing the stomach acid and providing fast acting relief. Some antacids come in liquid form to coat the lining of the esophagus and prevent it from coming into contact with stomach acid.
Antacids are good for immediate relief, but their effectiveness is short-lived. Patients should not over use antacids since it can cause diarrhea, constipation and imbalance of electrolytes in some rare cases.
Oral suspension medicines are the other common drug class recommended for heartburn. Pepto Bismol and Carafate are some of the common oral suspension medicines for heartburn. These medicines help coat the esophagus lining preventing it from coming into regular contact with stomach acid. This will help reduce the symptom of heartburn and irritation.
Anti-gas, anti-flatulence medications are recommended for patients who experience gas and bloating as a result of acid reflux. Gas-X, Beano and Phazyme are over the counter medications that are effective in this regard. These medications can help relieve gas, bloating and pressure in the digestive track.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are another common drug class used to treat acid reflux. Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid are some of the common PPIs on the market. These drugs would block excess acid production in the stomach and aid in healing the esophagus. These are prescribed for patients suffering with severe GERD symptoms.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects millions of Americans on a daily basis. There are so many effective over the counter medications for the condition. We have highlighted some of the most important acid reflux drugs to relieve the symptoms quickly and effectively.
