Acid Reflux Treatments - An Overview

Acid Reflux Treatments - An Overview

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not a disease but a disease. Overcrowding and malnutrition, excessive use of spicy foods, regular drinking of alcohol and smoking without exercise are considered to be the main causes of acid reflux. In acid reflux, food in the stomach comes back into the esophagus. Food that rises up the esophagus is not simple food. It also contains strong acids and digestive enzymes. This acidified food burns the protective mucous membrane of the lower esophagus, as this burning mucous membrane becomes weak and even completely destroyed. This burning and destruction makes the mucous membrane more sensitive to ulcers and cancer. The most noticeable signs and symptoms include burning behind the ribcage and stabbing pain in the chest. Other symptoms include frequent coughing, difficulty swallowing, sinusitis, voice changes due to damage to the voice box, and nausea. With improper treatments and ignorance, acid reflux turns into serious diseases such as ulcers, strictures, inflammation of the throat, larynx and lungs and even cancer.

Acid reflux treatments

Acid reflux can be treated in two ways. One is proper medication and the other is a simple change in lifestyle and eating habits. Whatever you use as an acid reflux treatment, it is strongly recommended that you consult a doctor. This is due to the fact that medicines used to treat other diseases may inhibit medicines used to treat acid reflux. Acid reflux treatments can be divided into three broad categories.

– Changes and changes in lifestyles

– Medication

– Surgery or laparoscopic surgery

Changes and changes in lifestyles

In this treatment, patients are advised to change their lifestyle from eating habits to sleeping habits and even postures while exercising. If we talk about eating habits, patients need to avoid spicy food, coffee and alcohol. It is also recommended to reduce consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It is also recommended to eat a smaller meal, but more than three times. Avoid eating close to bedtime. This reduces stomach expansion during digestion. Chewing gum immediately after eating increases saliva production, which in turn neutralizes acid in the esophagus and in turn relieves acid reflux. Patients are advised to follow the following guidelines

– Stop smoking.

– Reduce caffeine intake.

– Reduce stress

– Try to maintain ideal body weight.

– Avoid wearing waist-hugging clothing.

– Do not do physical exercises after eating.

Poor postures such as bending or slumping that cause the stomach to contract can increase the likelihood of GRED. Patients are advised to keep their body in a straight and comfortable position. Don't sleep without a pillow. Keep your upper body elevated to prevent fluid from entering your esophagus.

medication

Proton pump inhibitor medications

Specific medications are also designed for use as acid reflux treatments. Some medications reduce acid production by deactivating cell surface molecules (proton pumps) in the stomach lining. Proton pumps work with positively charged hydrogen ions and increase acid production. Proton pump inhibitor drugs have serious side effects.

Antacids

Mild cases are treated with antacids. Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate are common antacids used as acid reflux treatments. Antacids increase stomach pH and reduce acidity by neutralizing stomach acid. Antacids must be taken within an hour of eating. Because antacids can no longer stay in an empty stomach and leave the stomach in an hour. Meal increases the retention time of antacids in the stomach. Aside from lowering pH, antacids have certain unwanted side effects. Antacids containing aluminum can cause constipation, while antacids containing magnesium can cause diarrhea. Liquid antacids are preferable to tablets. The strongest liquid antacids available are Maalox II, Mylanta II, Gelusil II, and Extra Strength Riopan

Alginic acids

Alginic acid is the active ingredient in foam barrier tablets. Foam barrier tablets contain alginic acid in combination with aluminum hydroxide gel and magnesium trisilicate. Alginic acid in tablets form a protective layer on the stomach and the lower mucous membrane of the esophagus. This allows cells to regenerate and repair themselves. Foam barrier tablets form foam in the stomach. This foam begins to float on top of the liquid contents of the stomach. Foam acts as a physical barrier and does not allow fluid to rise into the esophagus. Two foam barriers Gaviscon and Algicon are commercially available. It is recommended to chew well after 30 to 60 minutes after eating or before going to bed.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are also used to treat acid reflux. Stomach walls produce histamine. Histamine accelerates acid production by binding specific receptors present on acid-producing stomach cells. Antihistamines bind to these receptors and block histamine binding, which in turn reduces acid production. Ranitidine, famotidine, cimetidine, and nizatidine are commonly used antihistamines or histamine antagonists. They are available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription, but the OTC dosage is lower than prescription ones. Antihistamines are taken 30 minutes before a meal. This makes antihistamine available in higher concentrations when the stomach is actively producing acids to digest food. Antihistamine quickly relieves primary heartburn and inflammation of the esophagus.

Prokinetics

Prokinetics act on the lower esophageal muscles. As a result, the muscles become hard and accelerate the release of food from the stomach. Because of this, food does not have the chance to return to the lower esophagus. Its use is not recommended due to dangerous side effects. Drugs were taken off the market.

Sucralfate

Sucralfate is used for the proper functioning of the digestive muscles. They improve the healing of the esophageal muscles. It protects the sensitive mucous membrane. It is usually used in combination with anti-GERD medications.

Surgery or laparoscopic surgery

Severe acid reflux can be treated with surgery. Surgical procedures are used to support the lower esophagus. This will stop acidified foods from rising up the esophagus. The surgical procedure used to achieve this is called a fundoplication. In this method, the stomach is wrapped over the esophageal sphincter. Surgical treatment of acid reflux is very complicated. Before the operation, extensive examinations were carried out to check the patient's condition. These tests include combined pH impedance, non-acid and acid reflux assessment tests. The operation is an invasive procedure and must be carried out with extreme care. In contrast, laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive method. This method involves making tiny holes in the belly button and upper abdomen. The patients recover quickly. Laparoscopic surgeries must be performed by qualified and experienced surgeons.

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