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How Can Acid Reflux Be Treated?
Every time I eat meat, I throw up clear bile or liquid. This has been going on almost a couple of years now but is becoming more frequent. I did get a referral for a GI specialist in Las Vegas but can t get a quick appt.no am in Denver now. Should I take nexium or something? YYYY@YYYY
posted on
Fri, 7 Apr 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 20 Apr 2017
Answered on
Fri, 21 Apr 2017
Last reviewed on
Greetings from Healthcare magic members,
I can understand your query and concern. Heartburn which is also called acid reflux occurs when the lower esophagus muscles do not function properly. This leads to acids from stomach to regurgitate into the esophagus.
Many over the counter medications such as antacids are commonly used to neutralize acid. If symptoms are chronic as in your case, drugs called proton pump inhibitors are prescribed to reduce the stomach's production of acid. These include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex) etc.
However there are some simple lifestyle changing tips that will help. These include:
1. Do not lie down immediately after lunch or dinner. Let the food digest properly. If heartburn increases on lying down you can also raise the head side of your bed by placing many hard pillows.
2. Avoid trigger foods such as spicy and oily stuff, chocolates, coffee, carbonated beverages, and do not overeat
3. Eat slowly and gradually
4. Avoid smoking and alcohol
5. If you wish to exercise, then wait for a minimum of two hours after meal
6. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
7. Learn to manage stress
Once you incorporate the aforementioned tips in your daily life, you will find improvement in your existing condition. In addition, you can also take over the counter medications as i have mentioned but read the instructions inside the leaflet properly before taking it. The dosage and duration of treatment depends on your medical condition and treatment response. Do not increase dose by yourself and when you get time, go to GI specialist for detailed investigations and proper management.
Hope this answer helps. Please do no hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.
Regards,
Dr. Khoja
I can understand your query and concern. Heartburn which is also called acid reflux occurs when the lower esophagus muscles do not function properly. This leads to acids from stomach to regurgitate into the esophagus.
Many over the counter medications such as antacids are commonly used to neutralize acid. If symptoms are chronic as in your case, drugs called proton pump inhibitors are prescribed to reduce the stomach's production of acid. These include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex) etc.
However there are some simple lifestyle changing tips that will help. These include:
1. Do not lie down immediately after lunch or dinner. Let the food digest properly. If heartburn increases on lying down you can also raise the head side of your bed by placing many hard pillows.
2. Avoid trigger foods such as spicy and oily stuff, chocolates, coffee, carbonated beverages, and do not overeat
3. Eat slowly and gradually
4. Avoid smoking and alcohol
5. If you wish to exercise, then wait for a minimum of two hours after meal
6. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
7. Learn to manage stress
Once you incorporate the aforementioned tips in your daily life, you will find improvement in your existing condition. In addition, you can also take over the counter medications as i have mentioned but read the instructions inside the leaflet properly before taking it. The dosage and duration of treatment depends on your medical condition and treatment response. Do not increase dose by yourself and when you get time, go to GI specialist for detailed investigations and proper management.
Hope this answer helps. Please do no hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.
Regards,
Dr. Khoja
I find this answer helpful
HI..
WELCOME TO HEALTHCARE MAGIC.
FIRST YOU HAVE TO AVOID FATTY MEAL WHICH IS DIFFICULT FOR DIGESTION.
AVOID SPICY FOOD , OILY FOOD,CITRUS FOOD ,JUNK FOOD , COFFE....
EAT SMALL AMOUNT OF FOOD AND CHEW PROPERLY.
AVOID LYING DOWN IMMEADIAT AFTER MEAL.
ELEVATE YOUR HEAD DURING SLEEPING TIME.
PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR DRUGS WITH ANTIEMETIC DRUGS CAN USE FOR REFLUX PROPLEM.
CONSULT A GASTROENTRILOGIST FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS.
TAKE CARE.
THANK YOU.
WELCOME TO HEALTHCARE MAGIC.
FIRST YOU HAVE TO AVOID FATTY MEAL WHICH IS DIFFICULT FOR DIGESTION.
AVOID SPICY FOOD , OILY FOOD,CITRUS FOOD ,JUNK FOOD , COFFE....
EAT SMALL AMOUNT OF FOOD AND CHEW PROPERLY.
AVOID LYING DOWN IMMEADIAT AFTER MEAL.
ELEVATE YOUR HEAD DURING SLEEPING TIME.
PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR DRUGS WITH ANTIEMETIC DRUGS CAN USE FOR REFLUX PROPLEM.
CONSULT A GASTROENTRILOGIST FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS.
TAKE CARE.
THANK YOU.
I find this answer helpful
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