Managing acid reflux

Photo By Jason Bortz | Lt. Cmdr. Brett Lessmann, family medicine resident, Naval Hospital Pensacola, examines a patient with acid reflux Aug. 19. Many people can manage their acid reflux on their own by changing their habits or taking medications, but it is important to know when you should see your doctor.  

PENSACOLA, FL, UNITED STATES

08.28.2015

Courtesy Story

NMRTC Pensacola

By Lt. Cmdr. Brett Lessmann, family medicine resident, Naval Hospital Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Acid reflux, or “heartburn,” affects many people, but there are ways to prevent or treat it.

When the acid that is normally in your stomach backs up into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach, the result is acid reflux. Another term for acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

It is important to know the symptoms of GERD, which can include burning in the chest (heartburn), burning or an acid taste in the throat, stomach or chest pain, trouble swallowing, a raspy voice or sore throat or an unexplained cough. Acid reflux is one of the most common causes of cough and other symptoms may not even be present.

Thankfully, there are effective ways to reduce heartburn without needing medications. Weight loss of just a few pounds can help as well changing the angle you sleep at can help. Simply raising the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches by using blocks or a foam wedge under the mattress can have a positive effect on heartburn. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods that make heartburn symptoms worse such as coffee, chocolate, peppermint, cinnamon, citrus foods and juices, tomatoes and tomato products and fatty foods, especially within three hours prior to sleep. Alcohol consumption and smoking are also contributing factors to heartburn. Eating several small meals each day, rather than two or three big meals, can also help and avoid lying down for at least three hours after a meal.

If these simple precautions don’t help and the GERD persists, there are medical treatments that can help. There are a few types of medicines that can relieve the symptoms of acid reflux like antacids, surface acting agents, histamine blockers and proton pump inhibitors. All of these medicines work by either reducing or blocking stomach acid.

Antacids and surface acting agents can relieve mild symptoms, but they work only for a short time. Histamine blockers are stronger and last longer than antacids and surface acting agents. Both antacids and most histamine blockers can be bought without a prescription.

Proton pump inhibitors are the most effective medicines in treating GERD. Some of these medicines are sold without a prescription, but there are more that your doctor or nurse practitioner can prescribe.

Many people can manage their acid reflux on their own by changing their habits or taking medications, but it is important to know when you should see your doctor. If your symptoms are severe or last a long time, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor or Medical Homeport Team. Vomiting blood or having irregular bowel movements are also reasons to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Acid reflux is common but preventable. Proper health management and working with your doctor or Medical Homeport Team can produce positive results when battling this annoying disease.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2015
• Date Posted: 08.28.2015 12:15
• Story ID: 174554
• Location: PENSACOLA, FL, US