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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Frequent Heartburn While On Prilosec?

I am 68 years old, and have been having problems with frequent heartburn for a very long time. I had a peptic ulcer at one point, and tested positive for H. Pylori some time ago. Attempts were made at treatment with several antibiotic packs. These did not work, as I do not respond well to larger doses of antibiotic. I have been on Prilosec for over 5 years, and am concerned about the length of time on the med. I need all the help that I can get.
Mon, 29 Aug 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi
Thanks for posting on HCM
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.Lower oesophagial muscle relaxes to let food into the stomach and contracts to prevent backflow.If the lower oesophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, acid reflux occurs and causes heartburn.The chronic nature of your problem could be due to chronic gastritis, weak lower oesophageal muscle, hiatal hernia.
Being treated for H pylori does not stop stop heartburns.AFter treatment, many home measure can prevent this symptom.Also, being treated for H pylori does not stop you from having it again when in contact with the germ.
I will suggest you see a Gastroenterologist if symptoms too severe for evaluation and work-ups like a fobroscopy or endoscopy.You may again run the test for H pylori.
Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor or anti-secretory and may help reduce the intensity of your symptoms.I will however advise you try the following measures as well:
-Maintain a healthy weight
-Avoid tight fitting dresses
-Avoid foods that trigger heartburns
-avoid lying down immediately after meal
-Avoid late meals
-Elevate the head of your bed or use thick pillows
-Avoid smoking and alcohol.
If the symptoms do not reduce with these measure, the opinion of a Gastroenterologist will be helpful.Hope my answer will help you
Best regards
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What Causes Frequent Heartburn While On Prilosec?

Hi Thanks for posting on HCM Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.Lower oesophagial muscle relaxes to let food into the stomach and contracts to prevent backflow.If the lower oesophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, acid reflux occurs and causes heartburn.The chronic nature of your problem could be due to chronic gastritis, weak lower oesophageal muscle, hiatal hernia. Being treated for H pylori does not stop stop heartburns.AFter treatment, many home measure can prevent this symptom.Also, being treated for H pylori does not stop you from having it again when in contact with the germ. I will suggest you see a Gastroenterologist if symptoms too severe for evaluation and work-ups like a fobroscopy or endoscopy.You may again run the test for H pylori. Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor or anti-secretory and may help reduce the intensity of your symptoms.I will however advise you try the following measures as well: -Maintain a healthy weight -Avoid tight fitting dresses -Avoid foods that trigger heartburns -avoid lying down immediately after meal -Avoid late meals -Elevate the head of your bed or use thick pillows -Avoid smoking and alcohol. If the symptoms do not reduce with these measure, the opinion of a Gastroenterologist will be helpful.Hope my answer will help you Best regards