Best GERD Medications Compared: Finding Lasting Relief from Acid Reflux

Do you know GERD is estimated to affect about 20% of adults and 10% of children in the U.S.? Don’t let this disease become severe; opt for GERD acid-reducer medication that tames heartburn by turning down the amount of acidity in your stomach. Know about the GERD signs that may be worse and occur if:

• You lie down for 3 hours after eating

• You have a large portion of a fatty meal.

• You bend over

• you smoke or drink alcohol

Let’s discuss symptoms and medications for GERD, whether babies have GERD, lifestyle changes that avoid this disease, when you should seek a doctor's consultation, and lastly, things to consider to overcome this disease:

Symptoms of GERD

The following are the symptoms of GERD, which include:

• Acid overflow or Backwash: you may observe food, liquids, or acid that backwash from your stomach into your throat after eating. This is also known as regurgitation. You may feel the sour taste of the acid afterward.

• Non-cardiac chest pain: Some people experience pain in their esophagus that doesn’t feel like burning. This pain stimulates the same nerves, giving you a sensation of heart-related pain.

• Burning sensation: Acid mainly burns the tissues in the esophagus. It gives you a heartburn-like feeling, i.e., a heavy pain in your chest. If it comes closer to your mouth, it is known as acid indigestion.

• Nausea: backwash or acid overflow makes you feel unsettled, or you may feel like you're losing your appetite. Although you may have eaten a while ago, it gives you the feeling of fullness in your stomach.

• Sore throat: if acid does backwash into your throat, you will have a feeling of soreness or pain. It will give you a lump in your throat or make it tough to swallow. Reflux into your throat, which usually happens at night.

• Asthma symptoms: GERD has a tendency to drive symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chronic coughing. If acid particles are inhaled, they can cause the airways to contract.

Medications for GERD

To manage GERD symptoms, you may buy Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Drugs Online upon your doctor’s approval. The following medicines include:

Antacids:

This medicine cancels the effect of stomach acid and temporarily relieves you of symptoms such as indigestion and heartburn. Examples of antacids include: Pepto-Bismol, Gelusil, Gaviscon, Maalox, Rolaids, Mylanta Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), Aluminum hydroxide gel, Calcium carbonate (Tums, Alka-Seltzer).

Histamine(H2) Blockers:

These medications can treat occasional acid reflux symptoms. It lowers the acid your stomach produces and can last up to 12 hours. Examples of prescription H2 blockers are: Nizatidine (Axid AR, Axid), Famotidine (Zantac 360, Pepcid AC), Cimetidine (Tagamet HB).

Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs):

These medicines can treat symptoms of chronic acid reflux, which occurs no more than twice a week. PPIs obstruct stomach acid production and last longer than H2 blockers. These beta blockers give sufficient time for your esophagus to heal.  PPIs are best taken an hour before a meal. These include: Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Omeprazole (Zegerid, Prilosec), Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), Pantoprazole (Protonix), Rabeprazole (Aciphex).

Do babies have GERD?

It’s common for babies to spit up, i.e., regurgitate. There might be some acid in their stomach that may be enough to really bother them. GERD is a more complex condition that leads to distress and complications during feeding. If the babies are born prematurely, then they are more prone to have GERD, or a condition that affects their esophagus. Consult a pediatrician if your baby appears to be struggling. The following are symptoms of GERD in infants.

• Refusing to be fed.

• More fussiness

• Difficulty sleeping

• Small vomiting episodes

• Hoarseness or wheezing

• Bad breath

Lifestyle changes preventing GERD

Lifestyle changes can minimize GERD symptoms. It’s a wise decision to keep yourself away from foods that can trigger reflux, such as

• Caffeine

• Carbonated beverages

• Alcohol

• Tomato-based products

• Fried or fatty foods

• Chocolate

• Garlic

• Peppermint

• Spicy foods

Eating small portions of meals may help with weight loss. You can also raise the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to minimize symptoms while you sleep, walk to reduce stress, and include some mild to moderate physical activity in your routine.

When should you seek a doctor's consultation for GERD?

If you experience heartburn symptoms once a week or less, or only when eating certain foods or meals, OTC (over-the-counter) medicines will work for you. But if your symptoms worsen or do not improve, your doctor may recommend a prescription medication. Do not take PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) for the long term as they can rapidly increase the risk of specific health conditions such as kidney disease, dementia, and osteoporosis. Inform your doctor if you have the symptoms listed below, as they may become a more serious problem:

• Bloody vomit

• Black or bloody stools

• unimproved heartburn  after 2 weeks of treatment with OTC medicines

• Excessive weight loss that is unplanned

• Difficulty in swallowing or pain when you swallow

• If at all you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or pain in your arms, then it could be a probable heart attack. Call your doctor or head to the emergency room straight away.

Things to Consider during GERD

• Not to use more than 1 acid reducer or antacid at a time unless your doctor prescribes it and gives a positive nod to it.

• Store your medicines away and out of reach of children.

• Store your medicines in a cold and dry place. This prevents them from becoming less effective.

• Avoid storing medicines in bathrooms, which are usually humid and hot.

Final thoughts

Many people suffer from acid reflux now and then, and when acid reflux happens repeatedly over time, it may lead to GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Most people can overcome the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and OTC (over-the-counter) medicines. If the discomfort doesn’t disappear within 4 to 8 weeks, the doctor may suggest surgery in some cases. Seek a doctor’s help if you have chest pain, particularly shortness of breath, arm pain, or jaw pain. These may be symptoms of a heart attack. Usually, GERD Acid reducers such as Antacids, H2 blockers, and PPIs should be taken based on the severity of your GERD.