A quick guide to GERD medications

Posted by Refluxmd on March 21st, 2018

Basically when it comes to GERD, then most of the time people prefer to use over the counter drugs, also known as OTC. In fact, over-the-counter medications unknown for being the first treatment that people prefer when they see the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease like regurgitation and heartburn.

Simple changes for GERD patients

Just simply changing the lifestyle can treat the GERD symptoms. This includes eating less, following a decent lifestyle, reducing the intake of spicy and fatty etc. But it is not always the same for everyone. Initially if you find yourself suffering from this problem and even after making changes to your lifestyle it is not possible to overcome the problem properly, and without any delay simply just take an appointment from your physician. Initially, the doctor may suggest you to go for the OTC treatment.

There are mainly three types of OTC medications that are really helpful for treating GERD. They are:

• Antacids
• proton pump inhibitors
• H2 blockers

Antacids

Generally, heartburn occurs due to Acid Reflux and it happens when the acid in the stomach flows up into the channel of esophagus. Antacid is one of the most common OTC drugs and perfect for shooting minor heartburn. They had to reduce the acid amount present in your stomach, thereby reducing the symptom overall. They can start to show the result within just a few minutes of taking them and offer better relief than any other kind of treatment option.

H2 blockers

H2 blockers reduce the acid amount that is produced in the stomach as well as lower the risk of heartburn. You can expect them to start working within an hour of taking them. And it clearly means that it works slowly in comparison to antacids. But the best part is that they can provide you with long time of relief which can last up to 8 to 12 hours.

Proton pump inhibitors

They block the production of acid in the stomach. As compared to other OTC since these are highly powerful and a perfect for people who usually suffer from frequent heartburn. It can also be stated that this is the most effective treatment when it comes to GERD. Generally, PPIs are available in the form of pills and you can only get them with the use of proper prescription.

Conclusion

You are suffering from GERD symptoms and not sure what type of medication you should actually go for then I was suggest that you go ahead and consult with the physician. They can confirm about the dead problem that you are suffering from and develop the treatment plant accordingly which will suit your body requirements. You have any kind of queries make sure that you clarify it with your doctor. Always remember that he may I ask you some personal questions which are related to you health and ensure that you answer them properly in order to check out a proper treatment plan. He will suggest you the lifestyle changes which should be necessary to reduce the jet symptoms as well as prescribed the OTC medication that would suit your body. In fact if you are under any kind of medication then discuss about it with your position without hiding anything.

Author Bio:

RefluxMD provides an overview of all reflux treatment. If you are looking for GERD medication get in touch with us so that we can guide you based on the Gerd Disease Causes.

Source: https://sites.google.com/site/refluxmdguide/a-quick-guide-to-gerd-medications