Acid reflux is a common condition among people. It is a reflux disease, which takes place when the stomach acid reaches the oesophagus. This causes symptoms like heartburn and sore throat. However, there are other symptoms as well. Nausea, regurgitation, bloody vomit, dry cough, and unexplained weight loss are some of them. In addition, a severe condition of acid reflux is referred to as gastrointestinal oesophagus reflux disease (GERD). People having GERD can have more severe symptoms and are prone to complications. Nevertheless, the treatment is possible through medications and lifestyle adjustments.
Omeprazole and lansoprazole are well-working medicines for reflux diseases. However, doctors may also prescribe other medications considering your health conditions.
What causes acid reflux?
Various causes can result in heartburn. They may include foods, lifestyle, certain medications, and eating habits.
Foods and drinks
Onions
Raw onions can lead to cause heartburn. They are rich in fermented fibre. It can induce acid reflux symptoms.
Mint
Mint can help relieve digestive problems. However, some people with GERD observe the appearance of symptoms after using mint.
Carbonated beverages
Carbonated beverages calm down the stomach valve, which leads to leakage of acid in the oesophagus, causing acid reflux. Therefore, cut them off from your diet if you have reflux diseases.
Spicy foods
Capsaicin is the ingredient present in spicy foods that makes them zesty. It irritates the food pipe and leads to heartburn.
Citrus fruit juices
Juices such as grapefruit and oranges can induce the symptoms of acid reflux. Therefore, if you are one of them who develop heartburn out of citrus fruit juices, cut them off from your diet. Moreover, avoid eating high-fat foods, chocolates, and tomatoes to support your acid reflux treatment.
Medicines
- Iron and potassium supplements
- Antibiotics such as Clindamycin and Tetracycline
- Painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen
- Quinidine
- Bisphosphonates that are taken orally such as ibandronate, alendronate, and risedronate
Lifestyle
- Eating heavy meals at once
- Eating snacks or food before going to bed
- Lying just after eating food
- Wearing tight and uncomfortable clothes
What are the effective treatments for acid reflux?
Heartburn treatment is possible through various methods. They include medications, lifestyle adjustments, eating habits, and surgery. However, medications and lifestyle shifts are the primary solutions or GERD. Most people observe satisfactory results from them. Nevertheless, when these methods do not bring desired results, doctors prescribe surgery to patients.
Medications
Different types of medications can help relieve symptoms like heartburn and others caused by acid reflux. However, Antacids, H2 blockers, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are mostly used for reflux diseases.
Antacids
These medications work by neutralizing stomach acid. Antacids ease off symptoms like sour stomach, upset stomach, acid indigestion, and heartburn. A component in antacids called simethicone also helps eradicate gas.
Some of the antacids used are Gaviscon, alternagel, Alka seltzer, Bismol, and Gelusil. Take them as directed by your doctor. However, people may experience side effects. These include colour variations in bowel movements, constipation, stomach cramps, and diarrheal.
H2 blockers
Also called H2 antagonists, H2 blockers reduce stomach acid. Some H2 blockers used for acid reflux are Famotidine (Pepcid AC), Nizatidine (Axid), and Cimetidine (Tagamet HB).
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
These medications help reduce stomach acid. Moreover, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) prevent the symptoms of reflux. In addition, other medications like antacids and H2 blockers only relieve the symptoms. However, they do not prevent the symptoms.
Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, and omeprazole are some of the PPIs available for acid reflux. However, these medications are also accessible in higher potency. Consult your doctor on how to use the medications for the best results. Nevertheless, if your symptoms don’t improve or become critical even after using the medicines, reach out to your doctor.
Omeprazole 20mg
Surgery
The common reason for heartburn surgery is not an unimproved condition after trying the lifestyle adjustments and medications. Additionally, If you have the following conditions, the doctor may suggest surgery-
- Shrinking of the oesophagus which is not a result of cancer
- Barrett’s oesophagus variations in the cells
- Severe swelling in the oesophagus; it is a pipe, which connects the mouth and stomach
Above all, your doctor may examine your oesophagus muscles before going ahead with your surgery.
Following are the types of surgery conducted for acid reflux-
- Strata procedure
- Linx surgery
- Fundoplication
- Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)
- Bard EndoCinch system
Eating habits
Certain foods and drinks trigger acid reflux symptoms. Your doctor may tell you the foods and drinks you should eat and the ones to avoid while you are undergoing the treatment.
Foods to eat
- Vegetables such as cauliflower, cucumber, broccoli, potatoes, beans, asparagus, and leafy greens
- Lean meats like fish, chicken, and seafood
- Non-citrus fruits like apples, melons, pears, and bananas
- Oatmeal
- Egg whites
- Ginger
Foods not to eat
- High-fat meals like creamy sausages, potato chips, French fries, whole milk, ice cream, and butter
- Fruits like lemons, oranges, pineapple, limes, and grapefruit
- Vegetables such as tomato, onions, and garlic
- Spicy foods
Lifestyle adjustments
Making changes in lifestyle can play a vital role in relieving acid reflux. Therefore, adjust your lifestyle in the following way-
- Wear comfortable and loose clothes
- Avoid taking alcohol in too much quantity
- Lose weight if you are obese
- Quit smoking
- Do not eat 1-2 hours before going to bed
- Avoid eating spicy and high-fat foods
You can also consult with your doctor for more lifestyle shifts.
How do you prevent acid reflux?
There are various ways to manage your symptoms. However, taking medications and adjusting your lifestyle are a few of them. Moreover, you can also prevent heartburn in the following way-
- Take your medications on time
- Avoid eating foods like raw onions, mint, tomatoes, and garlic
- Cut off lemon and orange juice, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated beverages from your diet
- Stop smoking
- Prefer wearing loose clothes
- Eat 3-4 hours before sleeping
- Do not eat anything before going to bed
- Do not lie down just after taking your meal
