Acid blockers are a group of drugs which prevent damage to the tissue by reducing the production of stomach acid. The stomach juices become less acidic and, therefore, less painful if they enter the esophagus. If a patient has any symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), such as heartburn, headaches, dizziness or nausea, he should take an acid blocker as a quick, effective form of treatment. Most people (both male and female) experience acid reflux disease between the ages of 45 to 64.
What to Look for
Patients can find treatments through prescriptions, such as cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine, which can all be found in generic form. Over the counter drugs can also be used, and the main drugs are histamine antagonists (H2 antagonist) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Axid AR and Pepcid AC are two of the most common over the counter drugs. Pepcid Complete is the only combination Antacid/Acid Blocker. It combines the acid neutralizing capability of an antacid and the results of an acid-blocker drug.
Common Pitfalls
Acid reflux is a serious medical condition that can wear out or completely damage the lining of your esophagus (the digestive tube that conducts food from the mouth to the stomach). It commonly is called Erosive Esophagitus (EE). Patients may get this problem when the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid over an extended period. A doctor can diagnose this condition with upper endoscopy (diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal disorders). Upper endoscopy can identify polyps (growths of tissue in the stomach), remove objects that are stuck in the esophagus and treat bleeding, which may result from ulcers or cancer. Although serious risks are rare for patients with an endoscopy, excessive bleeding is possible and a tear in the esophagus or stomach wall hardly ever occurs.
You can prevent heartburn by losing weight, wearing loose-fitting clothes, refraining from laying down immediately after you have finished eating and giving up smoking; chemicals in cigarettes can weaken the sphincter muscle, which prevents stomach acids from entering the esophagus. Drinking heartburn-friendly beverages, such as water, milk or non-citrus juices can also wash down any stomach acid that might be flowing into the esophagus. By exercising regularly you can improve your overall health. However, if you feel that you are overdoing the workout, reduce your exercise period to avoid the risk of heartburn.
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