Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Discover Top Five Acid Reflux Prescription Medications

For some people, finding the right acid reflux prescription medications is something that turns out to be very simple, but for others, there may be some trial and error involved.

This condition is pretty straight forward, and there are many effective treatments and medications for acid reflux... Once you find something that works for you, you will probably have to take it for a few months to heal damage, though sometimes lifestyle changes can work wonders and you might be able to stop sooner. Most medications are of the once-a-day variety, but your doctor will tailor your prescription to your needs.

Here are five of the most common and most used medications for acid reflux.

Prilosec (generic name- omeprazole): You have probably seen commercials for Prilosec on television, and you might think it is an over-the-counter medication. Though there is an OTC form, there is also prescription strength available. This type of medication is a PPI, which stands for ‘proton pump inhibitor.’ This means that the medication is meant to lessen the amount of acid the stomach produces. Less acid production means less acid going up through the weakened stomach valve. This medication can promote healing of damaged tissues in as little as two months. This drug is swallowed whole, and has not been tested on pregnant or nursing moms.

Nexium (generic name- esomeprazole): Like Prilosec, this is a drug that is a PPI. It suppresses the enzymes that produce stomach acid to alleviate the symptoms and damage associated with GERD or gastric reflux. This comes in pill form, but there is an intravenous dose for special cases. This is often taken one hour before a meal, and is swallowed whole for best results. Also like Prilosec, this has not been studied with pregnant and nursing women.
Prevacid (generic name-lansoprazole): This is another of the PPI drugs, and it helps retard acid production while allowing the damaged tissues in the esophagus to properly heal. They can be swallowed, or there are tablets that can be placed under the tongue to dissolve rather than swallowed whole. Intravenous doses are available for those who cannot handle the tablet. This is also not be recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

Protonix (generic name- pantoprazole): Protonix is also a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) but is perhaps not as well known as the others. It works in the same manner though, and comes in only pill form at this time. Though this is a treatment for GERD, it is also known to be an effective treatment for ulcers. This pill might be taken in whole form only about 30 minutes before a meal for up to two months to decide if it is effective and if healing has occurred. This can not yet be recommended for pregnant and/or nursing women.

Tagamet (generic name-cimetidine): Though this is often thought of as an over-the-counter medication, it is available in prescription strength for those with persistent and daily heartburn problems. This works to stop acid production, but is different than the PPI variety of drug. It blocks histamines, which are known to stimulate acid production. In most cases, the prescription strength is only needed when there has been damage to the tissues. This is taken in pill form, and there is no research as to whether pregnant or nursing women should take it or not.

As with any type of medication, there is always the possibility that one of these might interact with other medications you may be taking for another condition, so be sure to let both your doctor and your pharmacist know what else you are taking.

You should find acid reflux relief very quickly with each of these, and if you do not, talk to your doctor. You might need a different dosage of these acid reflux prescription medications, or you may not have acid reflux at all. There are times when other problems can mimic this condition, so if your meds are not working, you should get a second opinion.
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Monday, February 28, 2011

Discover some simple homemade solutions for heartburn

If you are looking for a quick solution, there are some home remedies for acid reflux that could help you to put out fire. Ginger is believed to help reduce acid secretion can try ginger in a glass of water spray or buy it in the form of tea.

Eat papaya can help relieve pain due to tropical fruit has an enzyme that can neutralize stomach acid.
Another suggestion is to mix a half a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water and drink.

Dr. Jennifer Christie says, "is contra-intuitivas to think something acidic could reduce acid and reduce heartburn symptoms." "However, a number of people that has been tested and found to work, but the results are variable."

Also do some serious work for youself and sit upright or stand. Acid is more likely to remain in the stomach and not travel up the esophagus.

And stay away from carbonated beverages. All these bubbles can expand his stomach and worsen your heartburn or acid reflux!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Acid reflux and back pain can connect

You may think that there is no any logical connection between acid reflux and pain back and in a way you are right. However, there may be links that you may not have considered. Acid reflux may have effect blow to other parts of your body, but when we think back, pain could not think of that stomach acid is guilty.

The problem is that you never know if there is a connection between the two conditions apparently unrelated, unless you really think about it. You have to think of the reasons more hints for their trouble of back.

Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acids move upwards through the esophagus and sometimes all the way into the mouth. Acid is produced in the stomach to aid in digestion, but should hold in the stomach by a muscular little value at the top of the stomach.

When this valve is not working correctly, acid leaks up and causes pain and discomfort. This can lead to damage to soft tissues, which may or not be repairable. Some people only have this problem occasionally, and help over-the-counter medications. Other than daily and should be based on a recipe to make unbearable symptoms.

You may wonder how acid reflux could lead to back problems. Somehow, you can, but in a way very roundabout. While acid is not damaging to the back, they can be side effects. Some acid reflux sufferers find that the only way to get help while you sleep is having your head elevated.

Since the closure of the valve at the top of the stomach is not properly, gravity can work against you, when you lie down flat to sleep. This means that the acid that seeps into the esophagus while you sleep. You can wake up many times a night with severe chest pain.

To combat this, ill try to sleep with your head and upper body high. Problems occur if otherwise correctly, and the end result is that it may damage your back. Not happen immediately, but the beginning of back pain appearing in make this night after night.

Other tips for having a painful back are as a result of eating the foods that cause acid reflux. There is very little information was found to support this, but it could be a possibility. When the pain is severe enough, it can radiate back. This pain but it will be associated with other pain and won't be something that you think that all the time. If you have chronic back pain, it may be because of its position to sleep and not really a direct result of acid reflux.disease.

If you have acid reflux and back pain, should talk with your doctor about what is happening. It could be related with, however, if not, you want to know what is causing their problems. There may be something that is totally unrelated to your reflux.

If that is the case, you want to get it care if something another even more serious than happening acid reflux.
 
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