Stomach acid problems can greatly affect our daily life. It usually occurs when our body produces too much or too few stomach acids. Stomach acid is a digestive fluid that helps our body absorb nutrients. Too much or too little stomach acid can cause severe health issues.
Acid reducers are medications used to decrease acid production in the stomach. Acid reducers help manage conditions where excess stomach acid causes discomfort or damages the digestive system. Meet a doctor to know the right acid reflux treatment for your health needs.
Here are the types of acid reducers:
- Antacids
These neutralize stomach acid, quickly relieving acid indigestion or providing heartburn relief. They do not prevent the acid from being produced but neutralize existing acid in the stomach.
Common antacid medications include aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. These are used for rapid relief of occasional heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. Consult your doctor for the best antacid pills to treat your condition.
- Histamine 2 (H2) blockers
H2 blockers reduce acid production by blocking histamine, a substance in the stomach lining that signals acid production. Some common H2 blockers include Ranitidine, famotidine, and cimetidine. These are used to treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), peptic ulcers, and chronic heartburn. They act long-lastingly compared to antacids but do not act as fast.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs block the enzyme in the stomach wall responsible for producing acid, providing longer-lasting acid reduction. Some common PPIs include omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole. PPIs are used for more persistent conditions like ulcers, GERD, and zollinger-ellison syndrome. PPIs are often used when H2 blockers are ineffective.
Common uses of acid reducers:
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- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): A condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus irritating.
- Heartburn/Indigestion: Pain or burning sensation caused by acid in the stomach.
- Peptic ulcers: Open sores in the stomach lining or the first part of the small intestine caused by acid damage.
- H. pylori infection: In some cases, acid reducers are combined with antibiotics to treat ulcers caused by this bacteria.
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: A condition where tumors cause the stomach to produce too much acid.
- Side effects of acid reducers:
- Antacids – Constipation or diarrhea (depending on the ingredients), electrolyte imbalances, and, in rare cases, kidney problems with long-term use.
- H2 blockers – Headache, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea; long-term use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
- PPIs – Increased risk of bone fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, magnesium deficiency, kidney disease, and potential increased risk of infections like C. difficile. Long-term use can also lead to rebound acid hypersecretion when stopped suddenly.
Cautions to take while using acid reducing medicines
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- Some H2 (histamine2) and PPIs can affect the medicine’s working. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines (this includes prescription and non-prescription). Your doctor may change the dosage or prescribe another medicine to treat the condition without drug interactions.
- Many antacids have aspirin; read the label to ensure you do not take too much aspirin, as it can be harmful.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions while taking the medication.
Natural and lifestyle approaches to acid reduction:
Some natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help relieve heartburn and other acidic conditions. Here are some of them that can be considered to benefit:
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- Dietary changes – Avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can help manage symptoms.
- Foods to avoid – tomato sauce and other tomato-based products, high-fat and fast foods, fried foods, chocolate, onions, garlic, mint, etc.
- Beverages to avoid – Citrus fruit juices, caffeine, soda, and tea.
- Weight loss – Reducing excess body weight can reduce pressure on the stomach and decrease acid reflux.
- Avoiding large meals – Taking smaller, more frequent meals can reduce acid production.
- Elevation – Sleeping with the head elevated can prevent nighttime reflux.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol – Smoking and alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production.
- Avoid tight clothes – Wear comfortable clothes because tight clothes can increase discomfort and worsen GERD symptoms.
- Try relaxing techniques – GERD can be very stressful. Esophageal muscles play a large role in keeping stomach acid down. Learn techniques to relax your mind and body. Yoga has immense benefits, including the promotion of mind awareness. Meditation and deep breathing for a few minutes daily can help you manage stress.
Some common acid reducer medications include Aciloc 300mg, Pentaloc 40 mg, Famocid 40 mg, Aciloc 150 mg, Famocid 20 mg, etc. The dosage and treatment duration vary from patient to patient. Do not take the medication on your own; follow your doctor’s instructions to treat the condition and avoid any side effects or drug interactions.