Khaberni - It is one of the most important and well-known diseases of the digestive system, and it can also be said to be the most annoying. It is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Do you know anyone who suffers from this disease? Or are you indeed one of its patients? If so, continue reading this article, dear reader, to learn about the different ways to treat gastroesophageal reflux.
What is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube that connects the mouth and stomach (the esophagus). This backward flow (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
Many people experience this disease occasionally. Gastroesophageal reflux is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.
Most people can manage the discomfort of gastroesophageal reflux with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, but some people with gastroesophageal reflux may need stronger medications or surgery to relieve symptoms.
Treating gastroesophageal reflux with medications initially involves lifestyle modifications your doctor may recommend, and may prescribe you some types of over-the-counter gastroesophageal medications. If you do not feel relief within a few weeks, your doctor may prescribe medication or surgery. Over-the-counter medications include:
1. Antacids may provide relief from mild heartburn and other mild gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. However, antacids alone will not heal an inflamed esophagus damaged by stomach acid (severe reflux).
Conversely, you should avoid excessive use of antacids daily or for severe symptoms, which may cause side effects such as diarrhea or constipation, or sometimes kidney problems.
2. Acid production reducers include medications known as H-2 receptor blockers, cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine. H-2 receptor blockers do not work as quickly as antacids, but they provide longer relief and may decrease acid production from the stomach for up to 12 hours. Stronger versions are available by prescription.
3. Medications that inhibit acid production and heal the esophagus These medications, known as proton pump inhibitors, are stronger acid blockers than H-2 receptor blockers, and allow time for the damaged esophageal tissue to heal. Over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors include lansoprazole and omeprazole.
They are generally safe to use, but may have some uncommon side effects such as:
Headaches
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Treating gastroesophageal reflux with prescribed medications include the following stronger treatments specifically prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux:
1. Prescription H-2 receptor blockers including prescription famotidine and ranitidine. These drugs are generally well tolerated, but long-term use may be associated with a slight increase in the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and bone fractures.
2. Prescription proton pump inhibitors These drugs include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and dexlansoprazole. Although these drugs are generally well tolerated, they may cause diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Chronic use may increase the risk of hip fractures.
3. A muscle strengthening drug for the esophagus Baclofen may reduce gastroesophageal reflux by reducing the frequency of muscle relaxation in the esophagus. Side effects may include fatigue or nausea.
Treating gastroesophageal reflux through surgery and medical procedures Typically, gastroesophageal reflux can be controlled with medication, but if medications do not improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, or if you wish to avoid long-term medication use, your doctor may recommend the following:
1. Fundoplication In this procedure, a surgeon wraps the upper part of your stomach around the esophageal sphincter muscle to tighten the muscle and prevent reflux. The procedure is typically done using a minimally invasive (endoscopic) approach. The wrapping of the upper part of the stomach may be partial or complete.
2. LINX device involves wrapping a ring of small magnetic beads around the junction between the stomach and the esophagus. The magnetic attraction between the beads is strong enough to keep the junction closed against acid reflux but weak enough to allow food to pass. The Linx device can be implanted using minimally invasive surgery.
: What do you know about esophageal spasms? And how can it be treated? Treating gastroesophageal reflux with alternative medicine No alternative medical treatments have been proven to treat gastroesophageal reflux or reverse esophageal damage. However, some complementary and alternative treatments may provide symptom relief and support the treatment plan. So, talk to your doctor about gastroesophageal reflux treatments that may be safe for you. Options may include:
Herbal remedies, licorice and chamomile are sometimes used to relieve gastroesophageal reflux. Herbal treatments can have serious side effects and may interfere with medications. Ask your doctor about a safe dose before starting any herbal treatment.
Relaxation treatments, stress-relieving techniques, and anxiety reduction may reduce signs and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Ask your doctor about relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery.
Important Information: The Best Foods and Herbs to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Fast Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux If you suffer from heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux, you'll start looking for quick solutions to get rid of the burning sensation in your chest and throat. Lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux, and some quick treatments include:
Maintaining a healthy weight, excess weight puts pressure on your stomach, pushing your stomach and causing acid to reflux into the esophagus.
Stop smoking. Smoking reduces the efficiency of the esophageal sphincter.
Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly suffer from heartburn when trying to sleep, place wooden or cement blocks under the feet of your bed to raise the head from 6 to 9 inches. Raising your head just with extra pillows is often ineffective.
Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or sleeping.
Eat slowly and chew your food well. Put the fork down after each bite and pick it up again once you have chewed and swallowed your food.
Avoid foods and drinks that trigger gastroesophageal reflux, which commonly include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
Avoid clothing that fits tightly around your waist, as it puts pressure on your abdomen and on the esophageal sphincter.
Drink a cup of water with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in the cup; this may help relieve heartburn.
Take over-the-counter medications such as antacids.
And now, having learned how to treat gastroesophageal reflux with medications and various methods, we always recommend consulting a doctor before using any medications for treatment, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each case.
