1. Pump Away Acid Reflux
Even the most patient of acid reflux sufferers find it difficult to endure popping anti-acid chewables like Tums eight times a day without seeing a long-term change. Protonix is a leading proton pump inhibitor which doesn't simply treat existing excess acid in the stomach but also helps your stomach to recalibrate acid production to the right levels. The long-term improvement of excess stomach acid problems requires long-term treatment, which is why Protonix is usually prescribed as an eight-week course of one small pill each day. The important thing with the proton pump medication is to be diligent about your daily pill.
2. Soothe Your Esophagus
One of the added benefits of a more focused and long term treatment for acid reflux, which is sometimes called erosive acid reflux disease for good reason, is that proper treatment with medication like Protonix helps reverse damage to your esophagus. Speaking with your physician about possible esophagus damage is the first step in using Protonix (or any other proton pump inhibitor your doctor might prescribe) so you can get a prescription for additional courses of Protonix or a similar drug.
3. Diet Down Your Acid Reflux
Protonix is very effective and generally a safe drug, but it's not a miracle cure. In addition to taking the pills as prescribed for the length of the course of treatment, you should also give the medication a helping hand by tweaking your diet. Switch to smaller meals with good sources of complex carbohydrates like beans, rice and pasta. At the same time, you should avoid large, fatty meals (particularly ones with fried foods) and, worst of all acid reflex culprits, like alcohol.
4. Raise Your Head to Lower Your Reflux
Elevating your head and upper body while you sleep at night is another very effective way of supplementing Protonix as it does its job. Placing a few pillows under your head keeps your stomach acid where it belongs--in your stomach. While sleeping at an incline might take some getting used to, it will shorten the amount of time required to get you well.
5. There's Always a Catch
Like any prescription medication, there are some risks of side effects from Protonix. However, clinical studies have shown that serious side effects are unlikely and that even more common (but still relatively rare) side effects are relatively mild. However, if you're prone to Protonix side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, joint pain or anxiety then talk with your doctor before continuing proton pump inhibitor treatment.
