When Should You Take Them
People can use antacids to help relieve occasional heartburn or indigestion. If someone needs them every day, they should see their doctor, as they may have an underlying health condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease .
A person should always read the instructions before taking antacids, as different types of antacids contain different active ingredients.
As a
Why Omeprazole Is Your Best Treatment Option For Acid Reflux
With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!
Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.
The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medicationsat a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.
Schedule a virtual doctors appointment, today.
Antacids For Acid Reflux Relief
Acid reflux is a common illness with many sufferers across the world. The condition is caused by digestive acid moving from the stomach into the esophagus which can then cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest.
One of the main treatments for acid reflux are antacids. Antacids are a group of medications that work by neutralizing stomach acid. They normally come in tablet form but can also be administered as a liquid.
Antacids offer quick relief from the symptoms of acid reflux and have few side effects when taken at the suggested dosage.
Also Check: Colostrum To Heal Leaky Gut
How Is Gerd Treated
Treatment usually starts with lifestyle changesâsuch as quitting smoking and losing weightâand with medicines that you can buy without a prescription. These medicines reduce or block stomach acid. They include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors .
Talk to your doctor if over-the-counter medicines aren’t controlling your symptoms. In most cases, he or she can prescribe other medicine to help control your symptoms.
The most common surgery for GERD is called fundoplication surgery. It involves wrapping part of the stomach around the esophagus to strengthen it. If you have a hiatal hernia, it also will be fixed.
This surgery is often done laparoscopically. Instead of making a large cut in the belly, the doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and surgical tools into small cuts in your belly. This allows the doctor to see into your belly to do the surgery.
You may decide to have surgery if:
- Medicines don’t relieve your symptoms enough.
- Medicine works to stop your symptoms, but for other reasons you can’t or don’t want to take the medicine.
- You have other problems that don’t get better with medicine, such as asthma, hoarseness, or a cough caused when the acid backs up in your throat.
Treating GERD in pregnant women
Be careful when you take over-the-counter antacid medicines. Many of these medicines have aspirin in them. While you are pregnant, do not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin unless your doctor says it is okay.
How To Use Tums
Take this product by mouth as directed. For the chewable form, chew the medication well before swallowing. For the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose. Follow all directions on the product package. Do not take more than the maximum recommended dose stated on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Do not take the maximum dose of the medication for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Recommended Reading: Banana Gas Bloating
How Serious Is Gerd
When your esophagus or throat are regularly exposed to stomach acid for a prolonged period of time it can cause pain, inflammation of the esophagus, and tissue abnormalities. This could affect your quality of life, ability to swallow, breathe, and even speak. Unmanaged, this damage could increase your risk of developing certain types of cancers.
When To See A Doctor
Usually, you can successfully treat occasional bouts of heartburn pain using the home remedies on this page. However, if acid reflux becomes a chronic condition, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can prescribe medication to manage the symptoms of GERD and get rid of the discomfort that it causes.
Dr. Jennifer Robinson on WebMD recommends going to see your doctor for heartburn if you also have one or more of the following symptoms:17
- You have difficulty swallowing solid food or pills.
- You also have unexplained weight loss along with acid reflux symptoms.
- You have a constant feeling of something stuck in your throat.
- You still have heartburn symptoms for more than 2 weeks after taking natural or OTC antacids.
- Along with chest pain, you have a feeling of pressure in your chest that spreads to your left arm .
- You have extreme stomach pain and symptoms of digestive upset.
- Symptoms of acid reflux become more frequent and severe.
Read my other related articles:
Don’t Miss: Does Cottage Cheese Have Probiotics
Soothe Indigestion And Bloating With Over
Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women’s Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. Youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
When heartburn or acid indigestion strikes, you need something that settles your stomach ASAP. Its no fun to walk around feeling like you have your own personal fire-breathing dragon raging in your esophagus, and its even less fun to battle the burn while trying to work, exercise, drive through rush hour traffic, or sleep.
If youre prone to bouts of GI distress, its smart to have a reliable over-the-counter antacid on hand that can provide quick relief. Why? Because these medications can decrease the amount of stomach acid you produce, says University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist Yezaz Ghouri, MD.
The stomach normally produces hydrochloric acid to help digest food and kill bacteria or other organisms that may have been ingested along with the food, Dr. Ghouri explains. When there is an overproduction of the acid, it can lead to stomach discomfort.;
If You Go Prescription
Both histamine blockers and PPIs began as prescription remedies but are now available over the counter, which leaves doctor-prescribed options relatively limited.
The majority of prescription medications are PPIs and do not differ substantially from the OTC version, says Jeffrey Tipton, DO, MPH, medical director at CareMore in Cerritos, Calif. Patients are sometimes prescribed medications such as Reglan that increase motility in the GI tract. Like most medications, these are helpful for some and not for others.
Read Also: Does Oikos Have Probiotics
What Does Heartburn Feel Like When Pregnant
Suffering heartburn in pregnancy is common, and is the result of a whole host of changes your body is going through. Just one of these is the increase of the hormone progesterone, which causes the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to relax, sending gastric acid up the esophagus and causing the tell-tale burning sensation.3 If you havent had heartburn before, be reassured that it is common.3 To help reduce the risk of heartburn and ease symptoms, eat small meals, avoid fatty or greasy foods, and wait at least three hours after eating before lying down.3 Always talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you before using TUMS.
Time To Toss The Tums
UF Health Jacksonville patient finds relief after suffering with acid reflux for more than 20 years.
Sandra Pompey, a retired veterinary technician, has always led an active lifestyle. She eats healthy, exercises and travels the world participating in animal rescue projects. Throughout most of her adult life, though, she has lived with severe acid reflux, a disease that imposes on her daily routine.
Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach goes up into the esophagus. This manifests as burning in the chest, or heartburn. Many people may experience acid reflux after eating a spicy meal. This type of acid reflux is temporary and usually goes away on its own, or with the help of an antacid.
People who experience persistent acid reflux more than two days per week are often diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Typical symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation, which can happen when youre standing, but more frequently when lying down.
Pompey was diagnosed with GERD more than 20 years ago. To help alleviate her symptoms, she was taking proton pump inhibitors, medications that reduce stomach acid production. In addition to the medication, Pompey would frequently use antacid chews to soothe the heartburn she experienced.
Ruchir Puri, MD, a UF Health surgeon, specializes in minimally invasive foregut surgery, particularly for patients diagnosed with GERD, says most patients suffer silently and adapt their lifestyles to cope with acid reflux.
Read Also: Suboxone And Constipation
Antacid Treatment For Gerd
GERD is a chronic form of heartburn. It occurs when stomach acids leak back up into the esophagus. Over time, this causes potentially damaging inflammation or swelling.
While many people occasionally deal with the pain and irritation associated with heartburn, you might have GERD if these symptoms occur more than twice a week on a regular basis. The consequences of this digestive disease can be serious because it can damage the esophagus over time.
In most cases, GERD can be diagnosed and managed by your primary care doctor. When it is severe or unresponsive to first-line medication, you may need referral to a gastroenterologist, which is a type of doctor who specializes in digestive diseases. Treatment focuses on a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Antacids are usually the first line of defense because theyre readily available over the counter. They may also be more affordable than prescription medications. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing heartburn symptoms on a regular basis.
The Price Is Too High
The temporary relief of antacids or acid-reducing medications are never worth the long-term consequences. That little purple pill has now been proven to cause dangerous vitamin deficiencies and increased risk of osteoporosis,;immune problems, and premature death!10,11
There’s a better way that can bring long-term relief without harming your health
Try these 9 strategies to naturally relieve GERD without resorting to antacids and other potentially harmful drugs:
The next time you’re tempted to reach for a roll of Rolaids, try these lifestyle tips and all-natural supplements instead your health is worth it!
Article Sources:
Read Also: Align Prebiotic And Probiotic
Taking Antacids With Food Alcohol And Other Medicines
It’s best to take antacids with food;or soon after eating because this is when you’re most likely to;get indigestion or heartburn.
The effect of the medicine may also last longer if taken with food.
Antacids can affect how well other medicines work, so do not take other medicines within 2 to 4;hours of taking an antacid.
You can drink alcohol while taking antacids, but alcohol can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse.
Find Out The Differences Between The Two
Acid Reflux and GERD are tied closely togetherbut most people arent aware of what differentiates them. Here’s an easy way to know the difference: Acid Reflux occurs when the acid in your stomach backs up, or refluxes, into your esophagus, causing heartburn. And Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease is chronic or recurring acid reflux.1
Many things can cause acid reflux, including foods like coffee and chocolate, being overweight or pregnant, or eating too much or too quickly.
But what’s actually happening inside you? At the entrance of your stomach is the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle that opens to let food in and closes tight to keep food and acid in the stomach. If this muscle doesn’t close all the way or opens too often, acid can flow back into your esophagus, causing heartburn.
Don’t Miss: Why Does Lettuce Give Me Diarrhea
What Are The Symptoms Of Insufficient Stomach Acid
Each of the symptoms below may give you clues that your stomach is not producing enough acid:
- Abdominal bloating after meals
- Weak and thinning scalp hair
- Red cheeks
- Bad breath
- Eczema and acne
Antacid medication does provide relief from heartburn and reflux but it can worsen all the other symptoms. By lowering the amount of acid in your stomach, they can put you at risk of stomach and intestinal infections, raising your risk of food poisoning and gastroenteritis .
Your stomach produces hydrochloric acid as soon as some food enters it. The acid specifically helps to digest protein rich foods, by activating protein digesting enzymes called proteases. Therefore people with low stomach acid typically experience bloating and indigestion after eating foods like red meat, fish, eggs and poultry.
It is normal for the level of acid in your stomach to decline as you get older. Interestingly, many elderly people stop eating red meat because they say it gives them indigestion. It is wise to avoid eating foods you know upset your digestion, but there are ways to treat the cause of the problem and boost your stomach acid.
Who Is The Most Likely To Get Heartburn
While no one is exempt from heartburn, OB/GYNs say there are certain factors that make it more likely for pregnant women. For instance, women who experience heartburn before pregnancy are also more likely to experience heartburn during pregnancy. Women who are overweight or obese prior to pregnancy also tend to be more likely to have heartburn during this time. And expecting moms who drink coffee during pregnancy are at increased risk for heartburn symptoms.4
Also Check: Salad Makes Me Poop
Heartburn Gerd And Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can put extra pressure on the muscles in the stomach and frequently cause symptoms of acid reflux while pregnant. Also, the same foods that cause heartburn in any person affect pregnant women just as much.
According to Dr. John Cunha on MedicineNet, some ways to alleviate heartburn symptoms during pregnancy include some of the following:16
- Raise the head end of your bed by 6 to 8 inches. This helps to take the pressure off your stomach and prevents heartburn in the morning.
- Lay on your left side while sleeping as this makes it harder for stomach juices to escape into your esophagus.
- Dont bend over after eating.
- Avoid foods that increase heartburn symptoms and consume more foods that prevent excess stomach acid.
- Chewing gum can help relieve heartburn symptoms during pregnancy.
Spotting Heartburn Symptoms During Pregnancy
If you are experiencing heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, you might not recognize the symptoms. True to its name, heartburn is a painful, burning feeling located just below or behind the breastbone.5 Although some women experience heartburn symptoms in their first trimester, the issue tends to occur more often in the third trimester.4 During these final weeks, the expanding uterus puts pressure on the intestines and stomach, which can push contents back up into the esophagus, according to OB/GYNs.3
Read Also: Can Probiotics Help You Lose Weight
How To Use Tums Correctly
Like all medication, you should follow the instructions provided.
Generally, to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux you would take 2 tablets every 4 hours. The tablets should be chewed thoroughly or allowed to dissolve on the tongue.
You should avoid taking more than 10 tablets in any 24-hour period and the medication should be administered as soon as symptoms present.
If you regularly suffer from acid reflux, you can take a dose of Tums 1 hour after eating to keep symptoms at bay.;
What Is This Medicine
CALCIUM CARBONATE is a calcium salt. It is used as an antacid to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis, as a calcium supplement, and to treat high phosphate levels in patients with kidney disease.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME: Alka-Mints, Alka-Seltzer, Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief, Alkets, Antacid Fast Dissolve, Cal-Gest, Calcium Antacid, Maalox, Maalox Antacid Barrier, Maalox Quick Dissolve, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids Extra Strength, Titralac, Tums, Tums Chewy Bites, Tums Cool Relief, Tums E-X, Tums Freshers, Tums Kids, Tums Lasting Effects, Tums Smooth Dissolve, Tums Smoothies, Tums Ultra
Also Check: Can Prenatal Vitamins Cause Diarrhea
How And When To Take Antacids
Check the instructions on the packet or leaflet to see how much antacid to take;and how often. This depends on;the exact medicine you’re taking.
Antacids should be used when you;have symptoms or think you will;get them soon; for most people, the best time to take them is;with or soon after meals, and just before going to;bed.
Remember that doses for children may be lower than for adults.
Contact a GP or pharmacist, or call;NHS 111, if you take too much of the medicine and start to feel unwell.