Stomach acid is naturally produced to help digest food after eating. Normal amounts of acid are needed to help digest food and do not usually cause any symptoms. Acid Reflux is caused when an excessive amount of acid in the stomach travels up the throat causing a burning senseation. It is often described as heartburn.
Acid reflux is usually worse after eating and can also be worse when lying down, such as at night. It can be caused by certain types of foods such as spicy or fatty foods and alcohol. Other causes include being overweight, pregnancy, stress and anxiety, defects in the stomach such as cancers or hernias, and some medication.
Acid reflux is usually worse after eating and can also be worse when lying down, such as at night. It can be caused by certain types of foods such as spicy or fatty foods and alcohol. Other causes include being overweight, pregnancy, stress and anxiety, defects in the stomach such as cancers or hernias, and some medication.
There are several treatments available to treat acid reflux. Over the counter treatments include antacids to combat stomach acid, as well as lower strength drug treatments such as Ranitidine.
Prescription strength treatments include drugs called Proton-pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole, aswell as H2 antagonists such as Ranitidine and Cimetidine. Both of these types of prescription treatments help to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach to reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
Prescription strength treatments include drugs called Proton-pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole, aswell as H2 antagonists such as Ranitidine and Cimetidine. Both of these types of prescription treatments help to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach to reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
Alternatives to prescription strength treatments include:
- Several over-the-counter antacid preperations
- Alginates which form a protective barrier against stomach acid
- Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy food, fatty food, chocolate, alcohol, red wine
- Avoiding or quitting smoking
Pharmassured offer a quick online assessment of your Acid Reflux via a short questionnaire. Our prescriber can assess your condition and if suitable prescribe your treatment which will be delivered directly to your door in discreet packaging.
