Whether you call it stomach ache, acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), the fact is that nearly 25 million Americans suffer from this problem every day. A burning sensation of discomfort usually hits you right after eating. You may also feel a sour taste in your throat when you go to bed. Others, however, sometimes only have these problems when they eat spicy/a> food or have a big meal or even go to bed. just after dinner Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus and gradually irritates its lining. If the heart problem flares up in someone at least twice a week even after change in life and diet according to a. doctor’s recommendation, it is likely that you have GERD. This condition occurs when the seal that keeps acid inside the stomach doesn’t close properly, and the acid backs up into the esophagus. This is called reflux. It should never be left untreated as it can lead to serious problems, including cancer in the future. Also, you should never treat a child with stomach medication, without first consulting a doctor.
There are several medications over the counter to treat belching symptoms. According to surveys, about 60% to 70% of people with stomach problems are relieved by these over-the-counter medications. If these drugs fail, it is wise to consult your doctor about other available treatment options. So the doctor is likely to evaluate you for GERD. Over-the-counter medications to treat belching and other mild GERD symptoms include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
To relieve the stomach, antacids neutralize stomach acid. They also treat stomach ache, acid indigestion, stomach upset, and sometimes even ulcer pain. Some antacids also contain simethicone, which helps reduce excessive gas. Among the over the counter antacids available are Alka-Seltzer, Tums, Alka-2, Titralac, Gum Super, Milk of Magnesia, Amphojel, Alternagel, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Gelusil, Gaviscon and Pepto-Bismol. It is advisable to follow the package and chew the tablets well before swallowing for the fastest relief. Taking antacids can lead to constipation, diarrhea, color changes bowel movements and stomach cramps.
Histamine 2 receptor antagonists or H2 blockers include Famotidine (Pepcid-AC), cimetidine (Tagamet HB), nizatidine (Axid AR) and ranitidine (Zantac 75). While Famotidine is also available generically, Pepcid AC became available without a prescription in 2003. However, if you are taking stronger formulations of other H2 blockers, you will need a prescription. H2 blockers cut acid production by blocking the signals that instruct the stomach to produce acid. However, one should not take an H2 blocker for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor. Using these, you should make rules, or consult a doctor. It is better to take the medicine 30 minutes an hour before the meal that you suspect that you will cause acid reflux. Never exceed more than two cups in a twenty-four hour period. For faster and longer-lasting relief, H2 blockers can also be used in combination with antacids. H2 blockers cannot give you immediate relief, as they must first enter the bloodstream before they start working.
Examples of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are omeprazole (Prilosec and the generic version), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (AcipHex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). These are sold by prescription. The 20-mg strength of omeprazole (Prilosec) became over the counter in September 2003. The purpose of a PPI is to block the action of cells that pump acid into the stomach for 10 to 24 hours. These drugs can relieve many symptoms, including people with ulcers in the esophagus. They are also useful for the treatment of appetite. Prilosec is usually over-the-counter for frequent belching, and those suffering from symptoms experience it two or more days each week. For more severe cases of GERD, prescription strength PPIs should be used. When using Prilosec, you should follow the package and possibly your doctor’s directions. Do not chew, break or split the pills and take the medicine 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.. If your problem persists despite using Prilosec for 14 days, consult your doctor. Remember that PPIs interact with other medications.
As some drugs over-the-counter drugs cause side effects or interact in a harmful way with other drugs, it is better to consult a pharmacist before trying any nonprescription drug. When the pharmacist is told about all the medicines you use, and any conditions or allergies you have, they can let you know if a particular medicine is suitable for you or not.
