| |
Acid Reducers in the Treatment of Acid Reflux
By Groshan Fabiola
Acid Reflux (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is a very common disorder that involves the regurgitation of the stomach inside the esophagus. The disorder produces symptoms such as heartburn, throat inflammation and pain, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. Some people experience sporadic symptoms of acid reflux, which tend to intensify after meals and during the night. However, most acid reflux disease sufferers may experience ongoing, persistent symptoms. People who are confronted with acid reflux on a frequent time basis are very exposed to the development of serious complications such as Barrett's esophagus and even esophageal cancer. In order to keep the disorder under control and to avoid further complications, people with chronic forms of acid reflux need an appropriate medication treatment.
The treatment of acid reflux includes medications that normalize the stomach's production of gastric acid. Considering the fact that most cases of acid reflux involve overproduction of digestive fluids and pepsin at the level of the stomach, the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease is very similar to the treatment of ulcer or gastritis.
The most common medications used in the treatment of acid reflux are antacids. Although they provide rapid symptomatic relief for acid reflux sufferers, these medications also have some minuses. Antacids have limited action and they can only act to temporarily control the acidity of the stomach. Also, they are not strong enough to ameliorate acid reflux symptoms in more serious forms of the disorder.
Unlike other acid reflux medications, acid reducers (also known as H2 receptor antagonists or H2 blockers) have proved to be more effective in decreasing the intensity and the frequency of heartburn and other specific manifestations of gastro-esophageal disease. Strong acid reducers can only be purchased with medical prescription, while less strong types of acid reducers are also available in nonprescription forms. While the effects of antacids are diminished after only 2-3 hours, a single dose of acid reducers can prevent the occurrence of acid reflux during the entire day.
Acid reducers can be used either in short-term or long-term medical treatments. The most commonly prescribed acid reducer is ranitidine. This medication is effective in overcoming non-complicated forms of acid reflux disease. A 6-week course of ranitidine can completely eliminate the symptoms of acid reflux for most people with the disorder. For people with more serious forms of gastro-esophageal disease, doctors may prescribe cimetidine or famotidine. Acid reducers have mild side-effects that are usually perceived by people who follow ongoing treatment with such medications. Long-term use of acid reducers can produce headache, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. These side-effects disappear after reducing the dose of medications or after temporarily interrupting the treatment.
It is important to note that acid reducers aren't appropriate for all acid reflux sufferers. Patients with esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus don't usually respond to treatments with acid reducers. For this category of people, doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors, medications that temporarily block the stomach's production of gastric acid.
About the Author
If you want to find great information about many acid reflux subjects like acid reflux symptoms, acid reflux treatment or many more please visit us at http://www.acid-reflux-info-guide.com .
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/34973.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/34973.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Groshan Fabiola | Termites Can Ruin Your Home
There are three conditions that attract termites to an area:
Water is the first condition that attracts termites to an area. Termites generally cannot survive without a source of water present. Termites will always ...
Why Are Condos Selling?
If you are looking for a condominium, New Condos Online has some amazing deals that will connect you to the right real estate ...
Learning to Speak the English Language
When you speak in your native language, you don't have to think about the grammar or the words you use. ...
Long Beach Suspension Systems
Long Beach shock absorbers play an integral role in your car's Long Beach suspension system. You need to replace the Long Beach shock absorbers when evident signs of wear become apparent, otherwise ...
Natural Makeup
People generally wear makeup because it makes them feel better about the way they present themselves to the world. Makeup can give you a glow and can cover the ...
The Advantages of UK Commercial Mortgages
The UK offers a variety of commercial investment possibilities and is the perfect place to close a commercial mortgage deal for property investment, business development, ...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
