|
gerd
gastroesophageal reflux disease.
anybody know what helps to stop or hinder acid reflux?
tips?
kthanks
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Illnesses?
This is from [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Treating Heartburn and GERD
Lifestyle Changes
Control Your Weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing your stomach up and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
Eat Smaller Meals. Overfilling the stomach increases pressure on that LES valve at the top of your stomach, forcing it open and letting acid into the esophagus.
Loosen Your Belt. Clothing that fits too tightly around your waist also puts pressure on your LES valve.
Keep Track Of ‘Food Triggers.’ You might know that fried and spicy foods can trigger heartburn. But so can chocolate, peppermint, garlic, and onion. Alcohol and caffeine are also heartburn triggers. Figure out what you’re specific triggers are.
Stay Upright After Eating. It’s a good idea to wait three to four hours after eating before going to bed.
Raise The Head Of Your Bed. An elevation of about six to nine inches puts gravity to work for you. Use a wooden or cement block under the head of your bed, or a foam wedge under the head of your mattress. Don’t use pillows since they will only raise your head and not your midsection.
Stop Smoking. Smoking decreases your saliva, and saliva helps protect your esophagus by neutralizing the acid. Smoking also increases your risk of esophageal cancer.
Home Remedies
A lot of people use home remedies like drinking baking soda in water, soda, or milk to help heartburn. These may give you temporary relief, but usually end up making it worse by adding more pressure to the stomach and causing acid reflux.
Medications
For occasional cases of mild heartburn, "over the counter" remedies may work best.
Antacids. These neutralize stomach acid and can provide quick relief.
H-2 Receptor Blockers. These medications are a stronger type of antacid. If you have GERD, they can help to reduce or eliminate symptoms, as well as heal an inflamed esophagus. H-2 receptor blockers can actually reduce the production of acid in your stomach. They are available in over-the-counter and prescription strength for GERD. They don't act as quickly as regular antacids, but they do last longer.
Proton Pump Inhibitors. These medications can block acid production completely and allow time for a damaged esophagus to heal. This medication was only available by prescription, but is now also available in an over-the-counter strength.
These, like all medications, can cause some side effects, so talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.
Surgery
If have a severe case of GERD, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common procedure is called fundoplication surgery, which applies pressure to the LES valve and reduces reflux. In many cases this can be done without large incisions by performing a laparoscopic operation.
It's important to know that the symptoms of heartburn can mimic other more serious problems, including heart attacks. So, if your symptoms seem like more than just reflux, or if you’re losing weight or having trouble swallowing or breathing, you should discuss it with your doctor.
HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.
]
i also have that and absolutly hate it. If its bad enough they do make medicines for it, but watching how many acidy things you eat, like tomatos, fried things, greasy, etc. can help. If you already are having the acid, it helps me to eat a couple of pieces of bread to kind of sop it up. talk to your doctor.
-jessicamarie.
]
More Questions: |