Treatment Options

by | Mar 29, 2025 | Blog | 0 comments

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Diagnosing Acid Reflux

Since most people will suffer acid reflux at some point in their lives, it is not a significant condition if it occurs only once a month. It could occur if they stoop down after eating or go to bed right away after dinner. Even after all therapies have been tried, acid reflux symptoms that happen more than twice a week are considered GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, and can cause difficulties. Even after using home remedies and lifestyle adjustments, a physical examination is necessary if there is no long-lasting recovery. To determine the true reasons of acid reflux and determine whether there are underlying causes of the discomfort, the doctor will do a number of tests.

Types of Tests for Acid Reflux:

  1. pH monitoring: The physician inserts a device into the patient’s esophagus and leaves it there for one to two days in order to measure the acidity of the esophagus. This is to ascertain the digestive tract’s gut flora’s pH level.
  2. Endoscopy: Using an endoscope, the physician will examine the patient’s gastrointestinal system and esophagus. A few hours prior to the endoscopy, the patient must empty their intestines and avoid eating solid meals. To prevent discomfort, the physician or surgeon will use general anesthetic to sedate the patient.
  3. Barium swallow: To obtain a clear X-ray image of the upper gastrointestinal tract, the physician will allow the patient to swallow a barium sulfate solution prior to the test. This is to determine whether the patient has stomach issues or a narrow esophagus. After being mixed with water and consumed by the patient, the barium sulfate coats the stomach’s lining and intestinal walls, providing a better view of the internal environment.
  4. Biopsy: During an endoscopy, tissue samples from the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract are examined. The samples will be examined under a microscope by the physician to check for any internal infections or anatomical anomalies.
  5. Esophageal manometry: This test assesses the patient’s esophageal strength and muscle coordination during meal swallowing. The nose is used to implant a tube that travels down the throat, esophagus, and stomach. Patients with heartburn or acid reflux symptoms are subjected to manometry, which involves monitoring the esophageal peristalsis. The movement of the esophageal muscles, especially the esophageal sphincter, which is a muscular valve that opens when food passes and shuts to prevent food and stomach acid from leaving the stomach and ascending to the esophagus, is known as peristalsis. Before having an esophageal manometry, people with heart, lung, and other chronic conditions should let their doctor know if they are pregnant.
  6. Esophageal impedance-pH monitoring: This outpatient test uses sensors in the esophagus to evaluate the acidity of the stomach contents and non-acid reflux. In order to determine whether the symptomatic episodes are connected to the reflux episodes, the patient wears a data recorder, which records the episodes. Usually, this test is completed in a day. Four hours before to the test, the patient is instructed to avoid eating or drinking and to empty their bowel.

When to Seek Medical Help

If the drugs and home cures don’t work, people with acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD should get professional care. It indicates that a gastrointestinal specialist should examine your health in order to provide the appropriate care and avoid complications.

It is time to seek medical help if you have any of the following:

  • If you have chest pain
  • If you are experiencing shortness of breath
  • Pain that reaches the arm and jaw
  • If the bleeding and pain persist
  • If your voice is hoarse

Preparing for an Appointment:

sequelae from gastroesophageal reflux disease. You need to get expert assistance if the symptoms persist despite using proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids. Ask your doctor questions and be ready to respond. When speaking with your physician, refer to the frequently asked questions listed below.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) by patients:

  • 1. What are the possible causes of acid reflux?
  • 2. Are there other ailments that may have caused my condition?
  • 3. What are the tests needed to diagnose my condition?
  • 4. Which test is best for my age and my existing health condition?
  • 5. What medications should I take?
  • 6. Are these medications safe for my health?
  • 7. What are the complications if I do not take oral medications?
  • 8. What are the side effects of taking anti-reflux medications?
  • 9. What is the right treatment other than taking medications?
  • 10. Is surgery suitable for my age?
  • 11. What causes relapse or recurrence of GERD after an operation?
  • 12. I am pregnant, what treatment is best for my condition?
  • 13. How much is the cost of surgery?
  • 14. What is the best diet for me?

FAQs a health professional may ask:

  • How many times do the symptoms occur in a week?
  • Is it accompanied by bleeding and burning pain?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you eat a high-fiber diet?
  • Does the pain reach the arm, jaw, and shoulders?
  • Do you lie down or exercise after eating?
  • Do you have difficulty swallowing your food?
  • What medications are you taking?

Health professionals to look for:

  • Gastroenterologist
  • Internist
  • Family medicine doctor
  • Surgeon
  • Nurse
  • Nursing assistant
  • Pharmacist

The muscles found in the lower part of the esophageal sphincter usually open to allow the food to pass from the throat down to the stomach and automatically close to discourage the stomach acids from slipping into the esophagus. When the function of the esophageal sphincter becomes abnormal because of underlying issues, the acid from the stomach will slide up into the esophageal lining and the throat, which release a sour and bitter-tasting fluid.  In some people, the acids are so prevalent that they are hardly able to breathe for a few seconds.  The pain can be felt in the lower part of the chest area, and this is where heartburn takes place. Cases of acid reflux can lead to heartburn, or if there is heartburn accompanied by shortness of breath and chest pain, it may signal another disease that should not be overlooked by the sufferer.

Prevention & Treatment for Acid Reflux

There are many ways to prevent acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease that sufferers can employ. Lifestyle factors can contribute to the progression of acid reflux to become a full-blown gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that will ultimately lead to complications and even cancer. Prevention is essential to avoid this condition; included is a lifestyle change. Obesity and smoking are said to be the primary causes of acid reflux and need to be countered at its onset.

Tips for preventing acid reflux:

  • Try to lose weight by controlling your diet with proper exercise
  • Stop smoking
  • Increase your intake of high-fiber foods
  • Do not sleep right after taking your meals
  • Minimize eating salty, fatty, and spicy foods
  • Keep a diary or journal to trace its causes
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic, caffeinated, and carbonated drinks
  • Eat small but frequent meals
  • Refrain from exercises that require you to sit up or bend after a meal
  • Add more pillows to elevate your head
  • Sleep in a chair when having a daytime nap
  • Avoid wearing tight jeans, belts, and clothes
  • Refer to your doctor if you are taking other medications that might trigger the acid reflux symptoms

Medications for Acid Reflux:

To alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, patients can take a variety of drugs, the majority of which don’t require a prescription from a physician. These drugs include ibuprofen to relieve the searing discomfort associated with GERD and heartburn, proton-pump inhibitors, or PPIs, and antacids to lessen stomach acidity.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors and Acid Reflux:

Although acid reflux can be treated, it can progress to more serious conditions including cancer. The patient may decide to use proton-pump inhibitors, or PPIs, when this illness first appears. PPIs are medications that help lower stomach acid production in order to avoid acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, and hyperacidity. PPIs prevent the production of acid by inhibiting the gut wall’s enzymes. The main cause of ulcers and scarring in the esophagus and gastrointestinal system is acid. If acid reflux symptoms continue, long-term usage of proton-pump inhibitor drugs should be discontinued since they can harm organs, prevent nutrients from being absorbed, and increase the risk of infection, among other negative effects. The PPIs have been on the market for more than 20 years and are available as over-the-counter medications.

List of Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):

Because it lowers stomach acid, Protonix (pantoprazole) is used to treat esophagitis, acid reflux, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Individuals with a history of liver disease, osteoporosis, osteopenia, low testosterone levels, and allergy to specific drugs, including pantoprazole and benzimidazole

magnesium in the blood should ask their doctor for advice.

Aciphex (rabeprazole)- This oral medication is used to reduce the level of stomach acidity that causes acid reflux and GERD. It is also used to heal duodenal and esophageal ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and H. pylori infections. It can be taken both on an empty or filled stomach

Nexium (esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that helps lower stomach acid production in order to treat acid reflux, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It also helps stop esophageal bleeding. If the patient is unable to take it orally, it might be injected.

Lansoprazole, often known as Prevacid, lowers stomach acid production and cures intestinal ulcers and erosive esophagitis. By lowering stomach acid, the oral drug Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) avoids bleeding and esophageal ulcers while treating acid reflux and GERD. If GERD symptoms continue after prolonged use, see a physician. Egerid (sodium bicarbonate and immediate-release omeprazole). A doctor will prescribe Prilosec and Zegerid (omeprazole) to lower stomach acid and treat GERD and erosive esophagitis. Omeprazole can be taken with antibiotics for patients with stomach ulcers brought on by an H. pylori infection.

Antacids and Gastric Reflux:

Antacids can also be used by people who are prone to acid reflux, dyspepsia, and hyperacidity to counteract stomach acid that is brought on by skipping meals and consuming alcohol. Due to its commercial availability in chewable pills, chewing gum, dissolving tablets, and liquid forms, individuals can purchase antacids without a prescription from a doctor.

from drugstores. Instead than directly affecting the duodenal lining’s acid-producing cells, they react with the stomach’s contents to reduce discomfort and acidity. Among the many substances that make up antacids are calcium carbonate, magnesium hydrochloride, aluminum, and sodium bicarbonate. Antacids are typically safe for pregnant and nursing women to take, however they are not advised for use by patients with kidney disease or children under the age of twelve. Antacids can be used to treat mild cases of GERD and acid reflux, but it is not recommended to take them for longer than two weeks.

Types of Antacids:

  • Calcium carbonate: marketed under the names Tums and Rolaids, they help the body absorb calcium.

Magnesium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide are sold under the Gaviscon trademark and are made of alginic acid and a foaming agent. To keep the acid from coming into direct touch with the esophagus, the antacid will be applied to the upper portion of the stomach contents. Brown algae are the source of the alginate. Magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, which are marketed under the brands Maalox and Mylanta, include simethicone, which breaks down the air in the stomach. Taking this drug reduces burping and flatulence.

Other Medications and Acid Reflux:

Acid reflux symptoms may be exacerbated by certain drugs used to treat other conditions. These include nitroglycerin, antibiotics, antidepressants, pain relievers, and medications for osteoporosis, anxiety, and high blood pressure. We are aware that quitting your medicine can exacerbate your pre-existing condition if you have psychosomatic sickness and hypertension. You must let your doctor know about any other medications you use in order to prevent side effects and contraindications if you wish to alleviate the agony of acid reflux. All of your prescriptions might still need to be taken on a set timetable. Here are some details on how to deal with this issue:

  • Read the medical literature and check the instructions carefully.
  • You should be aware that certain drugs are to be taken before or after meals.
  • Not following the instructions can only worsen your health condition.
  • Do not exceed your doctor’s recommendations.
  • Follow the schedule of all your medications and do not double-dose for a missed schedule.
  • Avoid self-medication to treat acid reflux, especially if you have another illness.
  • Post your doctor’s prescription and schedule of medications on a corkboard.

Reminders When Taking Medications:

Because antacids can slow down the action of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), they should not be used with PPIs or within an hour of one another. The stomach may produce less acid if PPIs are taken in excess, even though they are meant to block stomach acid. In his editorial, Mitchell Katz, the head of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, noted that PPIs are only effective in treating bleeding ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and severe acid reflux, and they do not guarantee that they will treat GERD, heartburn, or acid reflux. Katz went on to say that because PPIs suppress stomach acid, the body’s natural ability to inhibit the H. pylori bacteria would be diminished. Food poisoning can be prevented by stomach acid, which acts as a barrier against bacterial infections. PPIs can cause lung infections, hip fractures, and bone loss.

According to the Life Extension Foundation, this finding is supported by research on animals. It has been demonstrated that melatonin effectively heals stomach ulcers and sores. Dyspepsia, stomach distress, and irritable bowel syndrome can all be prevented and treated by its presence in the GI tract through the enterochromaffin cells. Proton-pump inhibitors, especially omeprazole, are less effective when used with melatonin and natural dietary supplements.