Here are some tips to do that:
• If you're obese, lose weight.
• Control your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
• Eliminate other heartburn triggers (common ones include fried foods, spicy foods,
garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppermints, chocolate and carbonated beverages).
• Wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce pressure on your abdomen.
• Avoid bending over for long periods soon after eating.
• Wait at least two hours after eating before going to bed, and try elevating the head of the bed about four to six inches.
• Don't smoke, not even an occasional after-dinner puff.
5. Check with your doctor if you have persistent acid reflux symptoms.
Chronic reflux can lead to changes in the lining of the esophagus that, in rare cases, can become cancerous, says Cohen. He adds that if you've had reflux symptoms for five years, or you're 45 or older and had a recent onset of persistent acid reflux, you should speak with your doctor about undergoing a gastroscopy (an easy examination of the inside of the stomach using a thin flexible tube equipped with a tiny light and camera).
Get relief
A range of over-the-counter medications are available for the symptomatic relief of occasional acid reflux. They include:
• Antacids, such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Gaviscon and Gastrocote, neutralize stomach acid but won't heal the damage it causes. Overuse can cause diarrhea or constipation. Also, the bismuth in Pepto-Bismol can turn the tongue and stool black.
• Histamine (H-2) receptor blockers, such as Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC and Zantac 75, reduce the production of acid. They should be taken about 30 minutes before a meal or bedtime. Side-effects include dizziness, diarrhea and headache.
For more effective therapy, there are prescription acidsuppressing medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and H-2 receptor blockers.
Surgery to "tighten" the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux may be an option for some young patients, who face an anticipated lifelong acid reflux problem with its accompanying complications.
(GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease – is an umbrella term for chronic reflux. GERD usually requires prescription-strength drugs and sometimes surgery.)
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| This story was originally titled "Acid Reflux" in the December 2008 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue! |
