Choosing an Acid Reflux Medication that Works

If you suffer from acid reflux disease finding the treatment that controls your symptoms is very important. Fortunately there are a good variety of options available to those who suffer with this condition including medications that help control and prevent even the worst symptoms. The severity and how often the symptoms occur will play a role in which type of medications will work best and the best place to start finding relief is a visit to your doctor.

The first thing your doctor will recommend for relief is making some dietary and other lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods that are known to exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux are all part of this change, as well as stopping smoking, not drinking alcohol, and reducing stress. This strategy works for many people but for those who continue to suffer symptoms the next step up the treatment ladder are acid reflux medications.

Relieving the heartburn, pain, discomfort, and bitter taste of GERD is one of the purposes of taking this type of medication. The second reason is to prevent any further damage to the esophagus, larynx, and throat while giving these organs a chance to heal.

There are four classes of acid reflux medication on the market today. Which ones you use will depend on the severity of your condition and how well you respond to other forms of treatment.

Antacids have been used for many years to neutralize stomach acids for those who suffer heartburn and upset stomachs from time to time. They include such well know products as Rolaids, Tums, and Mylanta which all work by neutralizing gastric acids on contact. While they can be effective for mild acid reflux symptoms in people who have infrequent attacks and they work quickly their effectiveness is limited and does not last for very long.

Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac are what are known as H2 blockers which help reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. They were once available by prescription only but can now be bought over-the-counter at any pharmacy. These types of acid reflux medications can be a good choice for chronic sufferers with mild to medium symptoms.

Proton Pump Inhibitors include such medications as Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Nexium, and Aciphex. These are more powerful GERD medications that can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor. They work by stopping the release of excessive amounts of digestive acids from the stomach and intestine and are used to help those who suffer the most severe symptoms of acid reflux disease. They can also be used to treat esophagitis and stomach ulcers.

Promotility agents can be used by acid reflux sufferers but because they can have bad side effects their use is limited. They work by increasing the speed with which food leaves the stomach, which in turn keeps excessive acid secretion at bay. Reglan and Maxolon are the more well known names for these types of drugs.

Choosing the right acid reflux medication is important for the proper treatment of symptoms and prevention of the long term complications this disease can bring. By working with your doctor you can find the right combination of lifestyle changes and medicines that will work for you.

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