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.
