Acid Reflux is one of the most irritating, persistent, and pervasive conditions that exists in the world today. Most everybody has experienced acid reflux at some point or another, but people that suffer from acid reflux on a regular basis are usually diagnosed with what is called gastoesophageal reflux disease. This is commonly called GERD. Treatment for acid reflux is varied, and prevention is the key. Here are some things to consider about acid reflux treatment and prevention if you are a regular sufferer:
1. Preventing acid reflux disease begins with making some changes. If you smoke, quitting can do wonders for acid reflux. Drinking also makes acid reflux worse. Obese individuals also struggle with acid reflux more than others. If you are overweight, commit to losing a few pounds.
2. Acid production is another important key, and certain foods increase that production. Fatty foods are high on this list if for no other reason than they stay in the stomach for a longer period of time before moving on. Some foods to avoid for various reasons include chocolate, peppermint, tomato based products, spicy foods, coffee, and pepper. Citrus foods and juices are also very hard on the acid reflux sufferer.
3. Understanding acid reflux is the key. Acid reflux is where the food and acid backs up into your esophagus. This means that you are at particular risk when you are laying down. When you sleep, elevate the head of the bed about ten inches. This will take some getting used to, but it will help with the acid reflux at night. Also, do not eat and then go to sleep. This is setting yourself up for a night of acid reflux. Wait at least three hours after eating to go to bed.
4. Over the counter medications have come a long ways in the treatment of acid reflux. Many people are sufficiently relieved with the occasional dose of famatodine or other over the counter meds. If you take these more than a couple of times per week, you should contact your doctor to ensure no damage is done to your esophagus from the acid. Over time, the esophagus can weaken, or even become severely damaged.
5. If over the counter medications are not enough, or you find out that you have damage to your esophagus, you may be placed on prescription medicine such as H2 blockers or Proton pump inhibitors. These are very strong medicines to stop the acid. There are also meds called promotility agents that can increase esophageal sphincter pressure.
Remembering that acid reflux is a treatable problem is the key. If you do the things that your doctor advises, more often than not acid reflux can be controlled. Stick to the plan that your doctor gives you and avoid those foods and lifestyle choices that make acid reflux more active, and you have won half the battle already.
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