Consumption of stomach acid medicine is the easiest and fastest way to treat stomach acid disease. However, the use of this drug should not be done carelessly and adjusted to the cause of the acid reflux you are suffering from.
At the bottom of the esophagus, there is a valve that serves to facilitate the entry of food and drink into the stomach. This valve will close naturally so that the contents and gastric juices do not rise back up into the esophagus and mouth.
For certain conditions, the esophageal valve can weaken and do not close completely, so that stomach contents and gastric acid fluid easily rises into the esophagus. This condition is known as acid reflux disease or GERD.
Some Symptoms of Stomach Acid Disease
Gastric acid disease can be experienced by anyone, especially obese people, pregnant women, and active smokers. This disease can cause several symptoms, including:
- A burning, painful, or burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen (heartburn)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Throat feels sore and uncomfortable or lumpy
- Difficult to swallow
- Mouth tastes sour or bitter
- Dry cough, especially at night
- Bad breath
- A sudden increase in the amount of saliva
In patients with gastric acid disease, these symptoms will usually appear after eating. If not treated, acid reflux disease can lead to various complications, such as inflammation of the esophagus, laryngitis, sleep disturbances, to the recurrence of asthma symptoms.
Several Choices of Stomach Acid Drugs
When experiencing symptoms of acid reflux disease, you should consult a doctor. To confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux disease, the doctor can perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as X-rays and endoscopy.
After the diagnosis of acid reflux disease has been confirmed, the doctor will provide several options for the following stomach acid drugs:
1. Antacids
Antacids are drugs that work to neutralize stomach acid. This stomach acid drug can be taken before eating or shortly after eating. Antacids are available in the form of liquid suspension and chewable tablets and can generally be purchased over the counter without a prescription.
However, antacids are not recommended for long-term use. This stomach acid drug can also cause some side effects, such as diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, and increased magnesium levels in the body.
Therefore, you should consult a doctor if stomach acid disease does not go away even though you have used this drug.
2. H2 . antagonist
H2 or antagonists histamine 2 blocker is a type of medicine that works to reduce the production of stomach acid.
H2 antagonist drugs work more slowly, but can relieve acid reflux symptoms for a longer time. In addition to stomach acid disease, this drug can also be used to treat stomach ulcers, stomach inflammation (gastritis), and stomach ulcers.
In contrast to over-the-counter antacids, H2 antagonist drugs, such as ranitidine, cimetidine, and famotidine, is a prescription drug. That is, the use of stomach acid drugs must be in accordance with the prescription and instructions for use from the doctor.
Although rare, H2 antagonists can sometimes cause side effects such as headaches, skin rashes, diarrhea, and heart rhythm abnormalities.
3. Proton pump inhibitor
Proton pump inhibitor or proton pump inhibitor are drugs that also work to reduce stomach acid.
Stomach acid drugs that can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription are often used to treat several disorders of the stomach and esophagus due to stomach acid, such as esophagitis and gastric ulcers.
Some types of drugs that are included in the proton pump inhibitor class of drugs are: omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole. This drug is available in capsule and injectable form.
Just like other stomach acid drugs, this drug can also cause side effects in some people, such as headaches, nausea and vomiting, and flatulence.
4. Prokinetics
Prokinetic is a type of medicine that can help empty the stomach more quickly and maintain the function of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, so that stomach acid does not easily rise into the esophagus.
Stomach acid drugs can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription. Some examples of prokinetic drugs are: bethanechol and metoclopramide.
Some Other Ways to Overcome Stomach Acid
In addition to using stomach acid medicine medically, stomach acid disease can also be prevented and overcome by the following simple ways:
- Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger stomach acid, such as spicy and fatty foods, and caffeinated drinks.
- Eat food slowly and in small portions, but more often.
- Do not go to sleep or lie down immediately after eating.
- Maintain an ideal body weight and lose weight if it is excessive.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing or pants because they can compress the esophagus and make stomach acid easy to rise.
- Stop smoking and limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
If the administration of stomach acid drugs and the above preventive measures are not effective in treating or preventing acid reflux disease, immediately consult a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment.
You also need to immediately see a doctor if stomach acid disease is severe or causes other symptoms, such as vomiting blood, black stools, or weight loss.