Presented by Symptoms of Acid Refux Disease

Acid Reflux/Heartburn - Simple Steps to Relief
by: Andrew Kelly

You’ve seen the advertisements: Acid reflux is a horrible disease that can
cause damage to the oesophagus and lead to cancer. Are these claims realistic,
or simply exaggerated to sell over the counter medications? The fact is that
doctors don’t even agree on the causes, treatments, and long-term risks related
to heartburn, so you can believe what you want about the ads.

Heartburn is the uncomfortable feeling resulting from acid reflux, or GERD,
gastroesophageal reflux disease (try saying that out loud a few times). It can
feel like a burning sensation (hence, the name), but can also feel like pressure
in the chest, which is why it is sometimes confused with feelings associated
with heart attacks.

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus
gets weak or relaxes at the wrong time. The result is that the stomach contents,
including the acid, move up into the oesophagus. Because the oesophagus doesn’t
have the protective lining that the stomach does, the acid literally burns the
oesophagus.

What Works?

Several non-prescription drugs may be effective for mild to moderate acid
reflux, such as antacids, which neutralize stomach acids. These include
well-known over the counter medications such as Tums and Rolaids. Another option
is H2 receptor antagonists, which reduce the production of stomach acids. These
include Axid AR, Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, and Zantac 75. Pepcid complete is the
only of these that combines an antacid with an H2 receptor antagonist. Which is
the best treatment? One study found that Pepcid complete performed better than
either an antacid alone or an H2 receptor antagonist alone.

Prescription drugs prescribed to treat acid reflux are called proton-pump
inhibitors. These include Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix.
While these are equally effective, one study did find that Nexium may heal
esophageal sores faster.

Presented by Symptoms of Acid Refux Disease

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About The Author

Andrew Kelly keeps you up to date with the latest Acid Reflux/Heartburn
relief tips and strategies. Learn simple and effective methods to help stop the
burning. To recieve your free info please click this link: href='http://www.acidrefluxfree.com' target=new rel='nofollow'>www.acidrefluxfree.com