Anyone suffering from severe and chronic acid reflux heartburn symptoms should see their family physician for a proper diagnosis. Many people delay this important step toward recovery and cure of this serious condition. They prefer to take the route of self diagnosis and over the counter remedies instead. This can lead to serious problems especially if you are already taking prescribed medications for other medical conditions. The most common problems associated with taking these medications are side affects.
Probably the most common side effect associated with prescription medications relates to their affects on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle that is located where the esophagus joins the stomach. Some medications cause this muscle to become relaxed to the point where stomach acid is allowed to enter or reflux up into the esophagus damaging the lining and causing severe discomfort and or pain. This most commonly happens when you lay down to rest which increases the pressure on the LES muscle.
Many times patients will not even inform their physician of their heartburn or acid reflux symptoms. You doctor cannot read your mind and unless you keep him informed of you symptoms and what over the counter medications you are taking for the condition he cannot effectively treat your medical condition. In addition delaying treatment increases the risk of developing a more serious condition. Certain medications like calcium channel blockers used to treat cardiac problems and high cholesterol levels, cause the LES muscle to be less efficient thereby allowing to acid reflux up the esophagus. In addition some anti-depressant medications also cause the LES muscle to become relaxed causing acid reflux.
Today there are several very good acid reflux and heartburn medications that your doctor can prescribe to reduce your symptoms and heal acid reflux damage. H2 blockers are the most commonly prescribed medication for acid reflux. In general this group of medications reduces the amount of acid that the stomach produces thereby reducing the damage done by acid reflux. The Idea is to give the body a chance to heal the damaged tissue and prevent GERD (gastoesophageal reflux disease). Zantac is the most common H2 blocker prescribed but all appear to work equally well in treating acid reflux heartburn when taken in accordance to directions. Changing to a more healthy life style will also enhance the effectiveness of these medications.
If you take medications that are required for other serious health conditions you will have to consider alternative methods of treating your heartburn and acid reflux condition. If you have severe heartburn and or acid reflux, surgery is a good alternative. Endoscopic surgical methods are directed to the LES and the area of the stomach just below the lower esophageal sphincter. Stitches are placed in strategic locations to strengthen the muscle or reduce the pressure on the sphincter itself. Published result show that this method is very effective in patients that have severe acid reflux heartburn and or cannot take commonly prescribed acid reflux medications.
If you are self diagnosing you heartburn and treating it with over the counter medications you may have hidden risks. Especially if the symptoms do not improve. Contact your physician for a proper diagnosis. He can prescribe the proper medication or procedure that will reduce your symptoms and allow your body to heal itself from the affects of acid reflux.
James Kesel, MS. is the publisher of Acid Reflux Heartburn Cure. The site provides information on GERD, Acid Reflux Disease, Heartburn, Heartburn Medication, Gastric Reflux or Acid Reflux Disorder
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