Ease the Burn! 5 Ways to Combat Acid Reflux

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux refers to the reverse passage of stomach acid into the throat or food pipe which causes an unpleasant sensation known as heartburn. The opening of your stomach is controlled by your sphincter muscle which is a ring of muscle but also acts as a valve which opens to allow food through into the stomach. If the muscle becomes relaxed, the valve will not close fully, allowing acidic gastric contents to travel back up. You may hear acid reflux and heartburn used interchangeably, however, heartburn just refers to the symptomatic burning discomfort experienced by those with acid reflux.

Frequent and persistent acid reflux is referred to as GORD - Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease. GORD is fairly common in Barbados, with around one in ten people experiencing it. The long term effects of GORD include damage to the oesophagal lining, so it's important that you speak to your local pharmacist or GP about ways to manage your reflux.

What are the Main Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

The most commonly experienced symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn and an unpleasant acidic taste at the back of the throat. These symptoms are usually worse straight after a meal or when lying down. Other symptoms also include:

• Bloating
• Urge to burp
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pressure in the chest area
• Nausea
• Cramps
• Bad breath
• Hiccups

How Do I Combat Acid Reflux?

Most people will experience some degree of acid reflux at some point in their lives, particularly at times of over-indulgence. However, persistent episodes can be managed in the following ways:

(1) Diet: Certain foods exacerbate reflux wither by relaxing the sphincter muscle, or by increasing stomach acid. Greasy, fried foods, fatty cuts of meat and processed foods can relax the sphincter. Caffeine, alcohol and spicy food can cause excess acid production, increasing your risk of reflux.

(2) Weight: Carrying excess weight places much more pressure on your stomach, increasing the risk of the valve to the stomach staying open or opening more easily, therefore letting acid back up.

(3) Routine: Those who sleep within 3 hours of a meal or snack before bed are at higher risk of reflux, or find their symptoms magnified. It's important that your routine centres around light walking after meals and leaving reasonable gaps between meals and naps or bedtime. 

(4) Lifestyle: Those with a healthy lifestyle find their symptoms greatly reduced. Smokers have a higher incidence of reflux, as well as those who drink alcohol regularly so cutting down on these habits is key. Stress is also a major factor which can contribute to reflux, so try to find some time to wind down and de-stress if you feel this may be the case.

(5) Anatomy: Whilst this isn't something you can change, something known as a hiatus hernia can cause reflux as the stomach is pushed up high into the ribcage. It's important that if you suspect this, you see your GP immediately in order to be referred to the relevant specialist.

What Treatment Options are Available for Acid Reflux?

If you've tried the above-mentioned self-help measures to manage your reflux and find there is little improvement to your symptoms or if your reflux is severe and impacting your life, you may need prescription treatments. Consult your pharmacist or GP before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Below we've listed for you the most commonly prescribed and effective treatments for acid reflux. All of them are available by prescription from Phillips Pharmacy.  Prescriptions may be uploaded on our online store, emailed to phillipspharmacy.bb@gmail.com or sent by WhatsApp to (246) 232-9069. We  delivery right to your door. 

Omeprazole

Omeprazole is known as a proton pump inhibitor and works by acting on cells in the stomach causing them to release less gastric acid which in turn reduces symptoms. It is indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with reflux in pediatric patients and adults for up to 4 weeks.

It's available either as 10mg or 20mg capsules, which will be prescribed depending on the severity of the reflux.

Common side effects include headache, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and gas.

Patient Information Leaflet

Ranitidine

Ranitidine is in a class of drug called histamine 2 blockers. Ranitidine works by blocking the production of acid in the stomach. As heartburn and reflux are often caused by excess acid, this helps control the symptoms that people feel. It's most effective when taken with a glass of water 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn.

It's available as 150mg capsules.

Common side effects include constipation/diarrhoea, headaches, insomnia, decreased sex drive and swollen or tender breasts.

Patient Information Leaflet

Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is another proton pump inhibitor which is used in the treatment of indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Lansoprazole capsules should be taken before meals for maximum effect and the capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, split or chewed.

It's available as 15mg capsules.

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea and insomnia.

Patient Information Leaflet

Further Information

If you find that medicines don’t help to reduce the severity of your reflux after a few weeks or months, or if your doctor feels your reflux is severe, you may need a gastroscopy to investigate the cause further.

About Author

BETTER HEALTH & BEYOND Editorial Team

At Phillips Pharmacy Online our vision is to be an integral part in transforming the way that healthcare is delivered in Barbados & beyond. We are a group of passionate people working hard to make a big positive impact on the lives of people. We work with Doctors, Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Suppliers and most importantly, with You, to improve the health of all.

Learn more at: https://phillipspharmacy.org

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