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Acid Reflux and Heartburn – What’s the Difference?

By Mika

Acid Reflux
How to Stop Painful Acid Reflux

People suffering from acid reflux consume acid reflux medication in order to control the condition. This type of medication can be taken in two ways. First, it can be taken as oral medications, by drinking the medicine as pills or dissolvable tablets. Second, acid reflux medication can also be applied to the skin, for topical use. Topical acid reflux medication usually comes in the form of creams, ointments, and gels. Both types of acid reflux medications have similar effects in that they counteract the harmful effects of acid reflux has on the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.

Some common medications used for acid reflux are Pepcid, Protonix, Prilosec, and Maxolon. Pepcid, Protonix, and Prilosec contain the alpha antagonism enzyme. This enzyme occurs naturally in the stomach and the intestines and it results in acid reflux by weakening the muscle that separates the stomach contents from the acid content of the esophagus. Maxolon and Protonix contain the beta2 antagonism enzyme, which results in less acid reflux. Another acid reflux medication, Digoxin, decreases the acidity of the esophagus, which helps reduce the symptoms of heartburn. However, some patients may experience adverse side effects from these medications.

How does one person treat acid reflux? There is no single drug that can cure acid reflux syndrome. The acid reflux condition varies from one patient to another; thus, the acid reflux medications that work best for one patient may not necessarily work for another. It is important to note that the effectiveness of acid reflux drugs differs from one person to another.

Is there a way to determine if acid reflux has caused my heartburn or if I’m just experiencing acid reflux symptoms? The only way to tell for sure is with the help of endoscopy. Endoscopy is a procedure wherein a doctor inserts a light into your esophagus to get a closer look at your stomach. If the endoscope detects the presence of gastric acid in your stomach, then it means that you have experienced heartburn. In this situation, the doctor will recommend you to undergo some lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing your alcohol intake. These factors are considered preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

There are people who experience acid reflux on a more frequent basis and they choose to undergo proton pump inhibitors or PCOS for short. Although acid reflux and heartburn are synonymous, it is still best to consult your doctor before taking any form of medication. In women, acid reflux and heartburn usually occur during pregnancy. This is because the placenta is developing and thickening due to the amniotic fluid that surrounds the developing fetus.

There are also conventional medications for acid reflux disease. Although these medications are effective in relieving symptoms, there is no cure. However, these medications can provide relief from the discomfort that accompanies acid reflux by giving the patient a more comfortable and relaxed state. If you experience acid reflux and heartburn, you can always consult your doctor and ask for medications and treatments.

Filed Under: Acid Reflux Tagged With: Acid Reflux, Heartburn

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Babies to Watch For

By Mika

Most parents expect some sleepless nights after they bring home a new baby, but things usually settle down once a routine begins to form. There is less fussing, crying and discomfort as parents learn the cues for what their baby needs.

crying baby

However, there are babies that continue to fuss, cry and appear to be in pain long after those first few weeks are over. If your baby seems to be suffering or uncomfortable, he may be suffering from acid reflux which is also known as gastroesophageal reflux.

Acid reflux symptoms in babies can make life miserable for both you and your baby. Therefore, it is vital to understand this disease in order to properly deal with it.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Babies

There are several common symptoms of acid reflux in babies, but not every baby will experience all of them. Common symptoms are:

  • Fussiness from one feeding to another
  • Spitting up more than the usual, expected amount
  • Projectile vomiting
  • Little interest in eating
  • Obvious misery (crying, arching the back and frequent waking during sleep)

Causes of Acid Reflux in Babies

In a normal baby, there is a circular band of muscle, the lower esophageal sphincter or LES that keeps the stomach separate from the esophagus. As food enters into the stomach, this band contracts like a one-way valve keeping the contents of the stomach and acids from being regurgitated into the esophagus.

If a baby has an immature LES, the acids and contents of the stomach can be regurgitated causing the same type of pain that adults call heartburn. This condition is usually temporary, however, there are ways to lessen the pain and make baby feel more comfortable until the LES matures and the acid reflux resolves itself.

How to Help a Baby With Acid Reflux

Acid reflux in babies is usually outgrown by six to nine months of age. However in severe cases, there are medications that will keep stomach acid production to a minimum. Some tips for keeping baby more comfortable include:

Keeping your baby in an upright position after feeding. Gravity will help to keep the stomach contents from refluxing, reducing discomfort and pain. It is best to keep him in the upright position for approximately thirty minutes.

Feed frequent, smaller meals. Smaller meals are digested more quickly, leaving less time to be regurgitated. A good idea is to feed baby half the usual amount, but cut the time between meals in half.

Watch what you feed your baby. Breast milk is the best milk for a baby, so it should be continued if at all possible. Breast milk helps by digesting more quickly than formula and contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Also, babies can be allergic to formulas which aggravate acid reflux.

Make your baby comfortable for sleep. Lying flat can cause stomach contents to reflux, so if your baby is waking frequently or seems to be in pain, raising the head of his crib about thirty degrees can help gravity to keep stomach contents down.

Get some support. There are support groups dedicated to the families of babies who suffer from acid reflux. Ask a pediatrician for advice on where to look for local groups. Support can help to lessen the stress and frustration of dealing with this condition.

As you can see, babies with acid reflux suffer just like adults and we know that can be quite painful. Keeping in close contact with a pediatrician, as well as using these tips to comfort your baby will ensure he is getting the best comfort and care that he needs.

Filed Under: Symptoms In Babies Tagged With: Acid Reflux, Babies

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