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GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease - GERD
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Gastroesophageal Reflux:
The backflow of acid & food particles that seep out of the stomach and up into the * esophagus, commonly known as heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the chest, most commonly occurring after a meal. Heartburn on a regular basis can lead to damage & scarring in the esophagus. Frequent heartburn, occurring several times a week to several times a day, may be associated with a more severe condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Heartburn is so common, it often is not associated with a serious disease like GERD.
Medication For GERD
GERD stands for GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter antacids, which you can buy without a prescription, or your doctor my prescribe prescription medications that stop acid production or help the muscles that empty your stomach.
Over-the-Counter Antacids
- Alka Seltzer
- Maalox
- Mylanta
- Pepto Bismol
- Rolaids
- Riopan
These are usually the first drugs recommended to relieve heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms. Many brands on the market use different combinations of three basic salts, magnesium, calcium, and aluminum with hydroxide or bicarbonate ions to neutralize the acid in your stomach. Antacids, however, have side effects. Magnesium salt can lead to diarrhea, and aluminum salts can cause constipation. Aluminum and magnesium salts are often combined in a single product to balance these effects.
Calcium Carbonate Antacids
Can also be a supplemental source of calcium. They can cause constipation as well.
Foaming Agents
- Gaviscon - works by covering your stomach contents with foam to prevent reflux. These drugs may help those who have no damage to the esophagus
Over-the-Counter H2 Blockers
- Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
- Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
- Nizatidine (Axid AR)
- Ranitidine (Zantac 75)
These drugs impede acid production and provide short term relief, but over-the-counter H2 blockers should not be used for more than a few weeks at a time. They are effective for about half of those who have GERD symptoms. Many people benefit from taking H2 blockers at bedtime in combination with a proton pump inhibitor.
Prescription Medications
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are the most frequently used prescription drugs. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) block the formation of acid in the stomach, which can then help heal erosive esophagitis and the relief of heartburn symptoms due to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are more effective than H2 blockers and can relieve symptoms in almost everyone who has GERD.
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Nexium (brand name) Esomeprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole
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Prilosec (brand name) Omeprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - o-MEP-ra-zole
(Non prescription Prilosec OTC 20mg delayed release tablets sold over counter for frequent heartburn only)
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Prevacid (brand name) Lansoprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - lan-SOE-pra-zole
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Protonix (brand name) Pantoprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - pan-toe-pra-zole
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Aciphex (brand name) Rabeprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - rab-ep-pra-zole
Prokinetics
Prokinetics help strengthen the * lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and makes the stomach empty faster. This group includes:
- Bethanechol (Urecholine)
- Metoclopramide (Reglan) - Metoclopramide also improves muscle action in the digestive tract, but these drugs have frequent side effects that limit their usefulness
GERD is a * chronic problem and may need life long treatment to prevent relapses. If you have been using antacids for more than 2 weeks, it is time to see a doctor. Most doctors can treat GERD. You may want to visit an internist (a doctor who specializes in internal medicine) or a gastroenterologist (a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines). If drugs fail to relieve symptoms, your doctor should look for other conditions. In some cases, * bile, not acid, may be responsible for symptoms, so that acid reducing or blocking agents would not be helpful.
Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order
* Bile
Pronounced - BY-ul
Bile is a fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps break down fats and gets rid of wastes in the body.
* Chronic
Pronounced - KRAW-nik
Chronic is a term that refers to disorders that last a long time, often years; A chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics.
* Esophagus
Pronounced - eh-SAW-fuh-gus
Esophagus is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet or food pipe. Also spelled oesophagus.
* Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
Pronounced - LOH-wur uh-saw-fuh-JEE-ul SFEENK-tur
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the muscle between the esophagus and stomach. When a person swallows, this muscle relaxes to let food pass from the esophagus to the stomach. It stays closed at other times to keep stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
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