Heartburn and Reflux Review
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Conventional Medical Treatments
1 Antacids
The antacids that are the most
effective are many of the most common names—all those
whose labels say they're made from a mixture of
magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. (One
constipates and the other tends to produce diarrhea;
combined, they counter each other's side effects.)
They neutralize stomach acid on contact and thus
relieve symptoms.
They are so effective that they could
be masking a serious problem that warrants a
physician's care and should not be taken for more than
a couple of weeks continuously.
Although it is needed to counteract the
diarrhea, there are strong concerns about the long
term effect of taking aluminum hydroxide, given some
claimed links to Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Histamine Antagonists
The histamine H2 antagonists, such as
Cimetadine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and
famotidine (Pepcid), are also beneficial. They are
used to control stomach acidity.
Prescription strength histamine H2 inhibitors, include
drugs such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine
(Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).
3 Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a
group of prescription drugs that prevent the release
of acid in the stomach and intestines. Doctors
prescribe PPIs to treat people with heartburn (acid
reflux), ulcers of the stomach or intestine, or excess
stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome).
Among the best known proton pump
inhibitors are omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid),
pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex).
4
Promotility Agents
Promotility agents such
as metoclopramide, are used to improve GERD symptoms
for patients with slow gastric emptying. They speed
digestion, which prevents acid from staying in the
stomach too long. They may also be used for patients
with GERD when H2 blockers and PPIs do not work.
5 Surgery
When none of the above
prove satisfactory, a surgical procedure to correct a
hiatal hernia or to strengthen the LES may be
performed. Outcomes are usually very successful.
This is an extract from an eBook
on Acid Reflux by Brett Harrison. The book looks in
detail at the causes of Acid Reflux and then offers
advice on how to use diet, lifestyle and natural
remedies to treat it effectively. To read more about
Acid Reflux and how to cure it
naturally.....
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