Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to a common condition where stomach acid moves back up into your esophagus. GERD symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, dry cough and vomiting sour liquid or food, says the Mayo Clinic. There many over-the-counter medications available at your local pharmacy to treat GERD.
Antacids
The Mayo Clinic states that antacids can commonly relieve your GERD symptoms. Antacids are responsible for neutralizing your stomach acid and preventing gastrointestinal (of the stomach and esophagus) irritation. These antacids are available in liquid and tablet form. Both are oral (taken by mouth) medications that work the same way but require different preparations. Take the tablet form with a glass of water. Use a labeled medicine cup to accurately measure your liquid antacid dosage. It is crucial you measure the correct antacid dosage or you may not receive proper relief. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for the best antacid remedy for you and take as the package instructions indicate. Side effects of too much antacid use include diarrhea and constipation.
Histamine Receptor Antagonists
Histamine receptor antagonists, also called H-2 receptor blockers, such as cimetidine are also available over-the-counter. According to Drugs.com, these medications work to block histamine (a natural chemical in your body) from binding to certain receptors in your stomach. When histamine does not bind to its receptor, your stomach cannot produce acid. Common side effects of histamine receptor antagonists include dizziness, headaches, diarrhea and constipation.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitor medications such as lansoprazole are also available at your local pharmacy. These medications, like H-2 receptor blockers, decrease acid production in your stomach. According to MedlinePlus, side effects of proton pump inhibitors include stomach pain and diarrhea. Get help if these symptoms get worse or persist.
Other Treatments
According to the Mayo Clinic, herbal supplements such as licorice, chamomile, slippery elm and marshmallow may effectively treat your GERD symptoms. They can be found at your local pharmacy or nutritional supply store. Unfortunately, herbal remedies may interact with your current medications and cause serious side effects. Prior to taking them, tell your doctor about your intent to use herbal supplements.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol-containing foods or beverages, chocolate, garlic, onions and mint. The Mayo Clinic states that these food items can all provoke your GERD symptoms.
