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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hamburger or a hotdog bland
By: auntiesue28 | 19-10-2008
is a hamburger or a hotdog bland
Hey i'm a 17 year old Girl ..
By: His babie | 15-05-2008
hey i'm a 17 year old Girl and i have been havin of the symptoms. all i really want to know is how to get rid of it with our buyin the book. Please i really need the help. Thank you Charity
I was diagnosed with Mild Chrnonic Inflammation ...
By: jamie.flitter | 15-08-2007
I was diagnosed with Mild Chrnonic Inflammation about 8 months ago (I guess its also called esophogitis). They put me on some sample meds for the heart burn and had me taking Gaviscon to help coat my throat after meals. After a few months it went away, though i'm not sure any of the meds helped. About 3 weeks ago it started up again. It started out as heart burn, only a couple days of it though, and worked its way into my throat. It feels sometimes like acid is coming back up my esophagus and can sometimes be hard to swallow, it can feel tight and sore. I am still trying to take Gaviscon after meals but I am not taking any meds. I work out regularly and eat pretty healthy, i'm only 22. I need help. I am not sure what to do; get a new prescription and hope that helps, or try something else to get rid of it. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
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