Saturday, April 30, 2011

Heartburn Treatment

The term heartburn can be defined as a sensation in the chest that can expand to the neck, throat, and face.It is the initial symptom of gastroesophageal reflux which is the activity of stomach acid into the esophagus.Sometimes it is due to gastritis stomach lining inflammation.Following are the treatment options.


Lifestyle Changes

One of the initial step which doctors advise their patients to take when treating chronic heartburn is the lifestyle changes.Large meals enlarge stomach and increase upward pressure across the esophageal sphincter. Obesity build ups abdominal pressure which can then push stomach contents up into the esophagus.Clothing that fits tightly all over  the abdomen will put pressure on the stomach forcing food up against the LES and cause food to reflux into the esophagus.

Medication

Histamine Receptor Antagonists

This is a drug used for treating heartburn.This works by lowering the quantity of acid the produces in the stomach and also to treat when  stomach produces too much acid or where acid enters into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

Antacids

This drug works by neutralizing acid in the stomach and relief the victim from heartburn.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a set of advised medications that stop the release of acid in the stomach and intestines.Usually doctors advise PPIs to treat people with heartburn, ulcers of the stomach or intestine, or excessive stomach acid.

Promotility Agents

These agents are used to improve GERD symptoms for victims with slow gastric emptying. They boost up digestion which stops acid from staying in the stomach too long. A doctor may advise this medication for patients with GERD if H2 blockers or PPIs do not work properly for them.

Surgical Options

Fundoplication

Fundoplication is the common surgical treatment for GERD. The aim of the surgery is to lower heartburn due to acid reflex.

Radio frequency Treatment

It is a minimally obtrusive endoscopic procedure that's performed on an outpatient basis.

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