Acid Reflux - Treating it with Medication
Of course, as with any medical condition, there are numerous
ways of treating acid reflux, or to give it its full title,
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Here, we will look at
medication.
Antacids and Alignates
Antacids are
generally available without a doctor's prescription and relieve
the symptoms of acid indigestion and heartburn
(dyspepsia).
The usual ingredients of antacids are
magnesium or aluminium and they work by neutralising the acid
produced in the stomach which is the cause of indigestion and
acid reflux. This group often contain sodium alginate which
forms a protective coating over the lining of the gullet and the
stomach.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump
Inhibitors are drugs which shut down the system in the stomach
called the proton pump. It is this system which produces acid in
the stomach, the leaking of which into the oesophagus causes
acid reflux.
These drugs are taken in the form of tablets
or capsules, as a powder to be diluted in water or as injections
and are used to treat stomach ulcers and a rather rare condition
called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome as well as acid
reflux.
Omeprazole and Lansoprazole are well known
varieties of this particular type of drug although there are
several others.
Side effects are rare although they can
include diarrhoea or constipation, stomach pains, wind,
drowsiness, dizziness and headaches. In unusual cases, a severe
allergic reaction can result. My personal experience with
Omeprazole was seriously raised blood pressure and severe head
pain. However, replacing Omeprazole with Ranitidine and taking
blood pressure reduction medication for a couple of weeks sorted
out that problem.
H2-Receptor Antagonists
This
group of drugs works by attaching to and blocking the H2
receptor area on stomach cells which, when stimulated by the
naturally produced chemical, histamine, generates
acid.
Ranitidine is the best known of this drug group,
others being Nizatidine, Famotidine and Cimetidine.
Side
effects are few but can display as diarrhoea, headaches,
dizziness and tiredness. Loss of hair has been reported by
takers of Cimetidine and with nizatidine, sweating.
Both
proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists are used
together with antibiotics to get rid of Helicobacter pylori
infection which can cause stomach ulcers and
duodenitis.
Warning: If symptoms of heartburn persist,
consult your doctor. They could be indicative of something much
more serious than indigestion. Never embark on a course of
medication without consulting a doctor. Never take medicines
prescribed for somebody else.