What you should know about acid reflux
A condition in which the liquid content or the acid produced in the stomach is regurgitated is known as acid reflux. Medically, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Apart from giving you an uncomfortable feeling, the acid damages the lining of the esophagus and causes inflammation. Acid and pepsin are produced in an individual’s stomach by the process of digestion of proteins. The liquid that is refluxed contains bile and is very injurious for your health.
Acid reflux is a chronic condition and once it begins, it persists for the whole life. An injury to the lining of the esophagus is also a chronic condition. It is seen that even after the esophagus is treated and healed, the injury returns in most patients in a few months. Once you begin treatment for acid reflux, you have to continue it indefinitely. In fact, reflux occurs in more normal individuals but in patients with GERD, the occurrence is very frequent and the acid remains in the esophagus for a longer period of time causing more damage.
The body has several mechanisms to deal with the harmful effects of acid reflux. For instance, most of the reflux attacks occur during daytime when the individual is upright, causing the acid to flow back instantly. The salivary glands produce enough saliva that contains bicarbonate, which neutralizes pushes the acid down the esophagus.
Gravity, production of saliva and swallowing are important mechanisms that protect the esophagus against reflux attacks. Refluxes occurring at night are dangerous as you are more likely to be in the sleeping position and less saliva is produced during sleep. This causes the acid stay in your system for a longer period of time causing greater damage to your esophagus. Various drugs are helpful in treatment of acid reflux and heartburn.
Prevacid
Lansoprazole, approved by the FDA in 1995 and commercially sold as Prevacid, belongs to a group of proton-pump inhibitor and is used for stopping the stomach from production of gastric acid. It is also used as a treatment option for stomach ulcers. The side effects of this drug are dry mouth, insomnia, drowsiness, blurred vision, rash, taste disturbance, liver dysfunction and sleeplessness. This medication it not meant for immediate relief to symptoms of heartburn. Some health conditions are treated by combining Prevacid with come antibiotics. Always use medications only as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you wish to adjust your dose or make any changes Also, contact your doctor at the earliest if you experience a heavy feeling, nausea, sleeplessness or unusual sweating. If you have a history of liver problems, avoid taking Prevacid.
Nexium
Nexium is a medication used for treating the symptoms of acid reflux. It is a prescription drug generally prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks. Patients who are suffering from gastric ulcers can also use this drug. Some possible side effects of this drugs are breathing problems, swelling on the tongue and lips and allergic reactions. You need to take it before an hour of taking a meal with a full glass of water. Take this medication on a regular basis if you wish to see good results.
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