Remedies for Reflux Besides Nexium

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when acid flows back into the esophagus from the stomach. It can produce symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain and sore throat. Over time, the back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus can cause other health complications, such as damage to the cells of the esophagus, worn down tissues in the esophagus that cause open sores to develop and even precancerous esophageal changes. It is important to seek treatment for reflux at the onset of symptoms to avoid further health problems.

Lifestyle Changes

• Making certain changes to the way you live can ease acid reflux without using any medication. Sustain a healthy weight. Being overweight causes pressure to the abdomen. This excess weight pushes up the stomach and forces acid to back up into the esophagus. Furthermore, do not wear clothes that are too tight around the waist. This also adds pressure to the abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.

  Certain foods may trigger heartburn, a common symptom of reflux. Pay attention to your individual food triggers, as they differ from person to person. Most commonly, foods such as chocolate, garlic, onion, fried foods and caffeine may trigger acid reflux. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and with meals to dilute acids in the stomach.

  Do not lie down for at least two hours after eating a meal. This keeps gravity on your side by keeping the acid closer to the stomach rather than the mouth. For this same reason, you should also elevate the head of your bed about six inches using cement or wood blocks. You can also purchase a wedge that fits between the mattress and box spring which will keep your upper body elevated.

  Quit smoking. Smoking causes the lower esophageal sphincter to function improperly, triggering acid reflux.

Over-the-Counter Medication

• For mild cases of reflux, over-the-counter medication may be all that is needed to manage the condition. Antacids such as Tums, Maalox and Mylanta can help relieve symptoms like heartburn. They will not heal a swollen esophagus, which can be damaged by acid.

  H-2 receptor blockers are used to reduce acid production and can be purchased at pharmacies or drug stores. These include products such as Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB and Zantac 75. They may take a little longer than antacids to provide relief, but the effect lasts longer.

  Proton pump inhibitors can be purchased to heal the esophagus and block acid production. Prevacid 24 HR and Prilosec OTC are examples of these types of medications.

Prescription Medication

• Reflux may be severe enough that lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications are not enough to provide relief. H-2 receptor blockers come in prescription strengths. Your doctor may also prescribe a proton pump inhibitor to repair the esophagus and reduce acid production. Prevacid, Prilosec Rx and Aciphex are commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitors.

  Prokinetic agents to make the lower esophageal sphincter stronger may also be prescribed by a doctor. The purpose of these medications is to strengthen the valve connecting the esophagus and the stomach and to help empty your stomach more quickly. A combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes may be recommended to increase effectiveness.

Surgery

• While most cases of acid reflux can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes, sometimes surgery is necessary to correct this condition. Surgeries can be performed to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, to construct a barrier that prevents stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus and to form esophageal scar tissue. Your health care provider will determine if surgery is the right option for you and which type of procedure best suits your individual acid reflux needs.