Acid Reflux Disease Treatment Options

Acid Reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or more commonly heartburn, can be a serious disease and is becoming more widespread. Acid Reflux is a chronic ailment that occurs when the stomach refluxes, or backs up, liquid content into the esophagus causing inflammation and damaging its lining. The liquid that is backed up is usually acidic and contains an enzyme, called pepsin, which is produced by the stomach for digestion of proteins. It can also contain bile that has been regurgitated from the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Acid reflux is usually worse at night when a person is lying down. Because there is no gravity to stop the reflux, acid and bile are more likely to be pushed up into the esophagus and stay there longer. During the day a person is usually in an upright position and any acid that is refluxed can travel back down. One way to remedy this problem is to sleep in an upright position to allow gravity to have an effect on the liquid that is backing up. You can elevate the upper part of your body by using extra pillows to keep your head at an angle or in a more upright position.

How is Acid Reflux Disease Treated?
GERD can be treated in many different ways. In most patients, treatment is an ongoing process. Once treatment is started symptoms will usually subside quickly but if treatment is stopped inflammation in the esophagus tends to return and can become painful. In some patients, acid reflux is intermittent and therefore treatment can also be implemented intermittently.

A change in lifestyle is the most important way to treat acid reflux. Changing eating habits is vital if you want to alleviate symptoms and ease the pain of GERD. Acid reflux is worse after eating a meal because the stomach becomes full and distended and can cause the esophagus to become more active. Smaller meals that are eaten earlier in the evening are better suited for someone who suffers from GERD. The advantage of eating an earlier meal is that it gives the body time to digest the food consumed before lying down. There are also certain foods that are known to irritate the esophagus. Some of these include fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages.

Medications Used To Treat Acid Reflux
There are several over-the-counter medications that are available to treat Acid Reflux Disease. Most of these consist of antacids to help ease the pain of GERD and medications that reduce the production of stomach acid, treat ulcers, and prevent future ulcers from developing.

Zantac
Zantac is a histamine blocker that reduces the amount of acid produced by your stomach, thus reducing irritation and inflammation in the lining of the stomach and esophagus. It is used to treat acid reflux and other conditions that cause the symptoms associated with heartburn. It also helps to heal and prevent ulcers in the stomach and the intestines. Zantac is generally used on a short-term basis to treat conditions in which the stomach overproduces acid but can also be used for maintenance therapy at a lower dose.

Tums
Tums is an antacid that comes in many different forms and is used to treat heartburn, indigestion caused by acid, and an upset or sour stomach. Tums has an advantage over other acid reflux medications in that it is also a sufficient source of calcium and can help to treat and prevent deficiencies in calcium. Tums is available in a chewable form that is fast dissolving and provides relief very quickly. Unlike some other medications it also comes in a dual action formula that provides not only instant relief but also long lasting relief.

Mylanta
Mylanta is also used to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach but comes in a different variety than Tums. It usually comes in liquid form and is chalky in its texture. Mylanta is also used as an anti-gas medication that comes in different strengths. In addition to the maximum strengths and prescription strengths, it is available in dosages that are appropriate for children as well.

Maalox
Maalox comes in liquid form and is an antacid that contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide to help neutralize and reduce stomach acid. It is also used to treat bloating and gas. Maalox is available in different strengths including Junior and Children's relief.