Acid Reflux Symptoms And Treatment

Acid reflux symptoms include persistent heartburn and stomach acid regurgitation. It is possible to have acid reflux without heartburn. In this case, you would experience pain in your chest, a hoarse throat in the morning or have trouble swallowing. You may feel that there is food stuck in your throat or you feel that you are choking and your throat is tight. Acid reflux can also can bad breath and a dry cough.

When your stomach acid splashes up from the stomach into the esophagus, you get the burning pain associated with acid reflux. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Stomach acid helps to digest the food you eat. The acid in your stomach is hydrochloric acid, which helps to prevent bacteria from growing in your stomach and intestines. The stomach lining prevents the hydrochloric acid from damaging your stomach.

Various treatments for acid reflux range from medicine to non-surgical procedures.

Medicines include over the counter treatments such as antacids. These tablets are to be ingested 30 to 60 minutes after eating a meal and before going to bed. Liquid antacids are preferable to tablets. The best liquids include Maalox II, Mylanta II, Gelusil II and Extra Strength Riopan.

Gaviscon and Algicon are tablets that place a layer of foam over the stomach acid to prevent acid reflux. You should chew these tablets well and take them 30 to 60 minutes after eating and at bedtime.

There are other drugs available now that reduce and even eliminate the secretion of stomach acid and strengthens the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) muscle. Some of these strong drugs are Reglan and Urecholine. However, these types of acid reflux drugs have adverse side effects. A drug called Propulsid was taken off the market due to its cardiac side effects.

Surgery is a last resort. The type of surgery to treat acid reflux is Endoscopic Surgery. However, before it is determined that the person needs surgery, the patient must undergo a series of tests assessing nonacid and acid reflux. The surgery strengthens the LES muscle. Successful surgery relieves and corrects severe acid reflux.

In conclusion, these acid reflux symptoms and treatments are provided as a guide to those who feel they may have acid reflux. It is always best to consult your Doctor before trying any treatments.