Acid reflux is also known as heartburn in common terms it is a feeling of burning sensation in the stomach. Acid reflux in scientific terms is called GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acid reducers are the drugs that are used to treat the problem of heartburn. It is a common problem in many people as they occur very often.
The cause behind GERD:
Gerd is caused by the backward movement of stomach acid. This acid enters the lower part of the oesophagus; it can produce the burning sensation of heartburn. Heartburn can be caused by various reasons such as spicy food, hormonal disturbances, stress, tension, alcohol consumption, etc.
Acid reducer drugs for heartburn:
These are two types that work to reduce the production of the acid in the stomach.
- Histamineantagonists (h2 antagonists or h2 blockers)
- Proton pump inhibitors
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There are a large number of acids reduce drugs, the examples of h2 blockers drugs are:
- Cimetidine
- Nizatidine
- Famotidine
- Ranitidine, etc.
Some examples of proton pump inhibitors are:
- Lansoprazole
- Esomeprazole
- Omeprazole, etc.
These medications are used to relieve the symptoms of heartburn to make the conditions easier for the person.These drugs are all OTC drugs that can be used for stomach acid relief medicines or treatment of heartburn and can be used after prescription also.
Antacids for acid reflux:
Antacids are quite helpful for providing relief from the heartburn. Some of the antacids are used for providing relief from the excess gas in the stomach and relieving the same. Some of the examples of antacids are:
- Alka-Seltzer
- Pepto-Bismol
- Alternagel
- Amphojel
- Milk of Magnesia
- Gaviscon
- Gelusil
- Rolaids, etc.
The antacids are available in different forms such as tablets, syrups, and chewable tablets.There are certain side effects associated with the antacids are constipation, stomach ache, cramps, diarrhea,etc.
Acid reducer and antacids:
These are combination drugs of acid reducers and antacids. An example of the combination is Pepcid. The antacids neutralize stomach acid and hence ease the stomach acidity.
Stomach acid cure by food:
There are some food items that can help to soothe the discomfort caused by acidity in the stomach by neutralizing the stomach acids naturally. These foods and beverages are good to work wonders for the stomach acid treatment. Some of the examples are:
Bananas: these are low acid fruits and they help to lower the symptoms of heartburn. The bananas relieve the irritation caused by acidity on the inner lining of the oesophagus. The mushy nature of bananas forms a layer and coating protects the same.
Ginger: another stomach acid cure is ginger; you can easily enjoy the benefits of ginger by taking it in the form of ginger tea. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and is considered one of the best cures for the treatment of acid reflux.
Oatmeal: oatmeal is a very healthy option to treat acid reflux problem. One bowl of oatmeal is not only satisfying as it contains fiber; it also forms a coating or layer on the inner lining of the oesophagus.
Leafy veggies: heartburn can be treated very easily if you grab a bowl of green leafy vegetables in the form of a salad. Avoid adding any creamy dressing on the leafy veggies as it is the reason behind acidity. Replace the cream with lemon juice or olive oil to make the veggies very less irritating.
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Fennel: it is one of the finest healing herbs. It is good to reduce the acid reflux. You can just chew the fennel seeds for not only having a fresh breath but also for keeping your acid reflux in check.
