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Suggest Treatment For Acid Reflux

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Posted on Sat, 25 Oct 2014
Question: Hi. I had some stomach burning pain, and I've had acid reflux for two weeks. My doctor put me on Ciprofloxacin for 7 days, for a suspected bacterial infection (Cipro is now finished) but the acid reflux is still hurting me badly. It doesn't matter what I eat, even small portions of bland food is hurting me if I don't take a Pepcid AC H2 blocker before I do. My bowel movements have been a bit constipated, with yellow mucus, but today I made a normal brown BM when I woke up.

I have been very dehydrated, and honestly, this is starting to frighten me. I have an appointment with a Gastro doctor on the 22nd, because I want to have an Ultrasound to make sure my organs are OK. I have been under a lot of emotional stress lately, and I've also noticed that when I get upset, my acid reflux gets much worse. Please help me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
add a proton pump inhibitor

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned.

Pepcid Ac is a good medication to help with reflux but you may also want to consider adding a proton pump inhibitor to this .

These medications have proven to be superior to the H2 meds in treating reflux. This would include meds such as prevacid, Prilosec, nexium.

They inhibit acid production. Because when they are first used, the body has already produced some acid, it can take 2 to 3 days before an effect is seen because they have to block further production as the body gets rid of what is already there.

They are best taken either early morning or late at night.

Continue the bland food and for reflux this means-(1)no large meals- large meals mean more acid production.
Small frequent meals are preferred

(2)no caffeine, chocolate or mint

(3)no citrus fruits, no tomato

(4)reduce the use of frying/fatty or spicy foods

(5)wait 2 hours after eating before laying down

(6)weight loss of any excess weight. Weight presses against the stomach and worsens the reflux

(7)elevation of the head of the bed if needed

Stress can worsen the symptoms of reflux.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Thank you. I don't use caffeine ever, and I have done everything you have stated for about two weeks, though I have not used a PPI. I just went to the store and purchased the generic version of Prilosec. My main question is what can I take along with the PPI for immediate heartburn. It's really intense, and it's hurting me a lot. I'm also scared of having rebound heartburn after the PPI.

I also now don't have any excess weight, and not being able to eat much of anything has caused me to lose 19 lbs in 3 weeks.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
use twice daily, tums more immediate

Detailed Answer:
HI

I am sorry that you are in such intense pain, acid reflux can sometimes be unbearable especially if severe.

The combination of the Prilosec with the Pepcid should help with long term relief of your symptoms.
The PPI should be used daily. In severe cases, Prilosec can be used at 40mg, either 20mg twice daily or a once daily dose of 40mg.

In the short term, if the symptoms are currently unbearable, then an agent like tums may help with the immediate even if it would not be as effective in preventing recurrent symptoms.

Please feel free to ask any additional questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Acid Reflux

Brief Answer: add a proton pump inhibitor Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned. Pepcid Ac is a good medication to help with reflux but you may also want to consider adding a proton pump inhibitor to this . These medications have proven to be superior to the H2 meds in treating reflux. This would include meds such as prevacid, Prilosec, nexium. They inhibit acid production. Because when they are first used, the body has already produced some acid, it can take 2 to 3 days before an effect is seen because they have to block further production as the body gets rid of what is already there. They are best taken either early morning or late at night. Continue the bland food and for reflux this means-(1)no large meals- large meals mean more acid production. Small frequent meals are preferred (2)no caffeine, chocolate or mint (3)no citrus fruits, no tomato (4)reduce the use of frying/fatty or spicy foods (5)wait 2 hours after eating before laying down (6)weight loss of any excess weight. Weight presses against the stomach and worsens the reflux (7)elevation of the head of the bed if needed Stress can worsen the symptoms of reflux. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions