Should You Take Acid Reflux Medications?

Most people have suffered from heartburn or acid reflux at some point in their life. It is a very painful condition and people are always searching for ways to relieve their symptoms. Acid reflux medications are big business and most do provide short-term relief for most people.

If your acid reflux occurs more than twice a week then perhaps a consultation with your doctor is in order. By taking acid reflux medications such as antacids, you are exposing yourself to complications because they contain either aluminum or magnesium. One of the better methods of relieving acid reflux symptoms is a change in lifestyle. Your doctor can help provide the necessary information in regards to a change in diet and lifestyle. If your symptoms are more severe than just simple heartburn then he will arrange for you to have tests done.

Stomach acid is more acidic by the histamine created in the stomach and certain acid reflux medications block the histamine created by the stomach. The medications are referred to as H2 antagonists and they suppress the creation of stomach acid. These medicines last quite a bit longer than antacids, approximately eight hours longer to be more precise. The first example of this type of drug was Cimetidine (tagamet). There are now better examples of this drug available.

Another example of an acid reflux medication is proton pump inhibitors. They work by clocking the secretion of stomach acid from the enzyme system. This particular type of medicine is much more effective than the H2 antagonists. Reduction of stomach acid is good for preventing heartburn but it also helps in the healing of stomach ulcers.

Acid reflux is often a chronic disease and thus most medications simply relieve the symptoms but cannot cure the condition. Reducing the stomach acid is not always a good thing as a reduction in stomach acid can lead to a problem in digesting food. In addition, the risk of food poisoning becomes higher. Before you decide on a medication or natural method, you should make a list of your diet. You may find that what you are eating is causing the problem.

When discussing your symptoms with your doctor, rather than prescribing acid reflux medications, he or she may suggest that you change your diet. Foods such as chocolate, garlic, spicy foods, citrus fruit and fatty foods all are contributors to the symptoms that cause heartburn and acid reflux. Other changes in lifestyle, such as losing weight, reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake also can help reduce and even eliminate your acid reflux symptoms. As you can see, there are other options than simply turning to prescription drugs.

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