Acid Reflux disease?

Question

I supposedly have really bad acid reflux. Some of the symptoms include heartburn, spitting up acid, loss of appetite. I have tried using over the counter, prescription, and non-prescription medicines and nothing has helped. I have watched my diet and it hasn't helped either. Although, I almost think pizza is the catalyst. Do you know anyone that has a problem similar to this? Or do you do what it could be?

Answer 1

I have this problem. Take the meds your doctor prescribes. Limit caffeine and fatty, spicy foods. Stop eating several hours before bed. Try to sleep with your head slightly elevated. Try to lose weight if you have to. Cigarettes may make the problem worse also.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

See your doc. He can prescribe "nexium" ( I think it's the best) and talk to him about your food intake. Cut back on caffeine, soda, spicey foods etc. Don't wait too long. Acid reflux has been shown to cause esophagus damage which in some cases causes a type of cancer.

Answer 5

You either have a treatable infection, or acid reflux. Personally I take Nexium, it works for me. I tried several different acid reducer medications before I found one I was happy with.
See: http://www.drmirkin.com/morehealth/G123.htm

Answer 6

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid from the stomach refluxes into the esophagus. Transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the primary mechanism responsible for the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. The LES is a muscular ring at the lower end of the esophagus that opens to allow for the forward passage of food into the stomach and then tightens to prevent regurgitation of gastric contents back into the esophagus. A small degree of reflux is physiologically normal; such episodes are typically brief and asymptomatic. Uncomplicated GERD is characterized by symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, or both occurring at least 2-3 times per week. Atypical symptoms that may also be associated with GERD include chest pain, chronic cough, and recurrent sore throat. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), early satiety, gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting, weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, or new onset symptoms in patients older than 45 years can be indicative of more complicated disease and warrant prompt further investigation by a physician. Diet does not cause GERD, but various foods are frequently cited as aggravating factors. Avoidance of these triggers may provide significant relief of symptoms and should be considered by patients with GERD. I list a few here :- Fatty foods. Caffeinated beverages. Chocolate or mint. Onions or spicy foods. Citrus and tomato-based products. Obesity may contribute to GERD symptoms by various mechanisms. Increased abdominal girth puts pressure on the stomach and may provoke reflux into the esophagus through the LES. The presence of a hiatal hernia, often found in association with obesity, may also be a predisposing factor. Even a moderate amount of weight loss tends to effect a marked improvement in patients with GERD who are overweight. Similarly, tight-fitting clothing should be avoided, as it may exert pressure on the abdomen and increase the tendency toward reflux through a weakened LES. Alcohol. Smoking. Gastric acid production is at its peak immediately after eating. Most physicians recommend that patients wait 3 hours after eating before lying down in order to reduce the likelihood of acid reflux by giving the stomach time to empty. Sleeping on the left side as opposed to the right side may reduce the frequency and duration of reflux episodes in patients prone to symptoms during the night. Sugar-free chewing gum or using lozenges increases saliva production and swallowing frequency, which can help clear away acid that has refluxed from the stomach into the esophagus. To cut this short, as it is a long subject, some medications may exacerbate or mimic GERD symptoms; this should be considered in the evaluation of this condition. In all cases where detailed medical knowledge is required, you would be advised to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
I add a link with details of GERD

http://health.ivillage.com/
digestion/gerd/0,,hco_
8vgd78hq,00.html

Hope this helps
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