Nitroglycerin for GERD Pain Relief

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is most commonly referred to as heartburn, because the main symptom is an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest. This sensation is created by stomach acid rising into the esophagus, usually due to a failure of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. According to barretsinfo.com, more than one-third of the U.S. population suffers from GERD. Basic treatment consists of an acid-reducing agent, such as a Tums antacid.

Treatment for GERD

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease should be treated with antacids. Antacids list their active ingredients on their labels, so based on what antacids work for you, you can discern what active ingredient helps your GERD. Some common active ingredients for antacids include calcium carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide and Simethicone.

Nitroglycerin and GERD

• Nitroglycerin is not prescribed or recommended for the treatment of GERD. According to a post on Medhelp.org by Medical Doctor Ratnakar Kini, nitroglycerin "may worsen GERD." This is because nitroglycerin is technically an acid, and treating acid reflux with more acid would only make the condition worse. For GERD, either take an antacid, or speak with your doctor for a more specific treatment.

Nitroglycerin and GERD

• Nitroglycerin can be used to treat angina pectoris, or severe chest pain. According to an article on Medicine.net, angina pectoris is caused by a shortage of oxygen to the heart; nitrates cause the arteries to dilate (or to widen), meaning that oxygen can reach the heart more readily. Nitrates are available by prescription, and come in pill, patch, ointment and injection forms.