Reeling from Reflux

Do you want to get rid of reflux, or at least reduce the horrible symptoms, then please read on.

I've suffered from Reflux (Acid) on and off for several years now. It comes and goes, as i'm sure it does for you if you're reading this article.

Usually there are key aggrevators of reflux. Coffee, smoking, fatty foods, eating late at night, overeating, going to bed straight after a meal.

Lets first off have a quick look at what Reflux is and what causes this reaction. Reflux is also known
as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thats the medical dictionary term i believe.

Hiatal Hernia
The hiatus is a small hole in your diaphragm, which is where the esophagus passes into the stomach. It usually fits in place comfortably, but there can be a tendency to weaken and enlarge.

The problem is, when this happens, part of the stomach muscles may protrude into it producing a condition referred to as hiatal hernia.

This is actually quite a common condition, more commonly occurring in people over 60 years old, and is rarely serious. Until recent years, it was believed that most cases of persistent heartburn were caused by a hiatal hernia.

Hiatal hernia may impair LES muscle function. Studies have failed to confirm evidence, however, that it is a common cause of GERD, although its presence may increase GERD symptoms in patients with both conditions.

So, what can you do to alleviate the symptoms. For a start, Antacids are probably the first option. Usually over the counter, especially if the symptoms are still relatively mild.

The next step is usually Gaviscon or Zantac. Both of these can tend to cause wind, but this is much preferable to reflux if you have a bad case.

Gaviscon liquid, Gaviscon 250 tablets and Gaviscon extra strength tablets all contain three active ingredients: sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. The active ingredients of Gaviscon are not absorbed into the bloodstream.

Instead they work by forming a "raft" that floats on the surface of the stomach contents, physically preventing the acid from flowing back into the foodpipe.

Sodium alginate is a naturally occuring substance that is found in a particular type of seaweed. In the presence of the calcium carbonate it reacts with the acid in the stomach to form a gel. Sodium
bicarbonate also reacts with the acid in the stomach to form bubbles of carbon dioxide. These bubbles are trapped by the gel and they allow the gel to float like a raft on top of the stomach contents.

The raft prevents acid in the stomach from flowing back into the food pipe. This relieves the symptoms of reflux such as heartburn. In the case of reflux oesophagitis it not only relieves the symptoms, but also protects the inflamed foodpipe from the acid and allows it to heal.
This 'raft' lasts for about three to four hours on top of the stomach contents and is then broken down
in the digestive system and excreted in the faeces.

Zantac is slightly different.
The active ingredient in this drug is called Ranitidine (or Ranitidine Hydrochloride).
Ranitidine belongs to the class of medications called H2-antagonists.
Ranitidine is used to reduce the amount of acid secreted by the stomach in order to reduce ulcer and heartburn pain or to assist in healing of ulcers and damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Ranitidine is also used to prevent ulcers in some cases.

Another drug that works absolute wonders, is Nexium. You can either take this on an ongoing basis (as a preventative measure) or as required. It is quick, and gives fast acting relief.
The acting ingredient in Nexium is called esomeprazole. Weird name, but it works.

Nexium tablets and injection contain the active ingredient esomeprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. This acts in the stomach to decrease the production of stomach acid. Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid.
Esomeprazole works by inhibiting the action of the proton pumps, and this reduces the production of stomach acid.

The only catch with Nexium, is it can be costly, particulary if you are not on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (or equivalent in your country of origin).