The treatment for acid reflux will depend on what the cause was for each individual. There are a wide range of treatment options that can be used. These options will help control the acid reflux and heartburn that the individual experiences. If it continues to flare up, the treatment will help calm it down. When it comes to this medical condition, a proper diet should help remove the causes of it. However, if a new diet does not help, there are many treatments that can be used.
Over The Counter Medications
There are all kinds of medications that can be purchased over the counter. These medications should all reduce any stomach acid an individual may experience. Otherwise, they should neutralize the stomach acid. Antacids, which is similar to Tums, will neutralize the stomach’s acid once it has been in contact with it. When an individual experiences an attack and gets heartburn, this medication will provide the necessary relief. Whilst this medication provides relief, it does not give the reasons why an individual experiences heartburn or acid reflux.
There are other medications that can be purchased over the counter. These are designed to stop acid reflux attacks from occurring. These particular medications are known as: H2 Receptor Antagonists, or H2 Antagonists. Otherwise known as: Zantac, or Pepcid. To stop attacks from occurring, an individual should take these every day. These medications are designed to give an individual a smaller amount of stomach acid. They may also stop, or remove acid reflux.
Prescription Medications
There are times when there are more serious conditions that cause acid reflux. GERD is one of these conditions. If this is the case, Your medical doctor may provide you with a prescription for a stronger medication. This can be purchased at your local pharmacy. The first option give to you will likely be a protein pump inhibitors. Also known as PPIs. The purpose of these medications is to stop the acid from spreading into your intestines and stomach. Heartburn should also be removed. The feeling in your stomach that the acid causes should also go.
Another prescription medication is pro-motility agents. This is also known as Reglan. This medication will speed up the process of stopping the acid from staying in your stomach for a lengthy amount of time. It can only be taken if H2 antagonists or PPIs do not work.
Home Remedies
If you would rather try other treatment options instead of medications, there are a few home remedies that may help provide relief from the symptoms of acid reflux. These range from: changes to your lifestyle, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, chamomile tea, ginger and bananas. Lifestyle changes could involve: going to bed after two or three hours after eating. This gives the body the chance to digest the food you eat. There will also be less chance of getting acid reflux during the night. If possible, try raising the bed of your head a few inches. This can prevent acid reflux from occurring whilst you are asleep. These treatments, a proper diet and a few relaxation exercises should be enough to prevent you from getting acid reflux.
Surgery
If acid reflux is very severe, an individual may have to have surgery. The surgery will fix the valve located between the stomach and the esophagus. It will stop the acid from getting into the esophagus. The name of this procedure is fundoplication. It is done by an incision into the abdomen or by a laparoscope. Recovery may take a few days to a few weeks depending on the procedure.
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