Heartburn, GERD, Acid reflux disease or whatever you want to call it are terms that are used to describe anything from mild indigestion to severe digestive distress that feels like a heart attack. I do not have, nor have I ever had an ulcer, H-pylori or any other stomach ailment but I have been treated for acid reflux for 30-years.
In my case I have been told by doctor after doctor that my symptoms are not usual for heartburn. Since I am always looking to loose weight, feeling famished all the time is not a good thing. I know I am not starving because I have just eaten a huge meal when it happens or I could have had a small meal. It happens anyway — unless I take pills for heartburn. I have an over productive acid producing stomach system. I can also begin my morning with a desire to eat a 3-course meal.
Acid reflux is more than just a nuisance. People who have untreated chronic indigestion or heartburn do not realize that the lining of their esophagus is at risk of being eaten away or worse getting cancer. In simple terms the esophagus is a tube that is approximately 9 inches long that connects your pharynx (throat) to your stomach. The reflux part of this disease is acid, bile, and pepsin that is up-chucked into your throat and burns away at the lining of your throat. My reflux just makes me feel very hungry even when I know I am not.
A quick visit to the corner druggist could be all you need to do to solve this persistent ailment. Speak to the druggist. Tell them of your symptoms and they will suggest the latest over the counter remedies. Zantac and Prilosec as well as others non prescription medications are available to treat GERD. The stores keep these expensive medications locked up and you will need a clerk to dispense them. These were once only prescribed medications. They are now available in 30-day supply packaged. The packages can cost more than thirty dollars at some drug stores but well worth the relief.
In the event that your neighborhood pharmacist cannot help provide relief for your stomach acids you will need to see a doctor to rule out other more serious stomach issues. An internist or a gastrologist is recommended since both treat those areas of the body. A gastrologist is a stomach doctor. Diagnostic tests will usually need to be ordered and they are not cheap so make sure that both the doctors and the clinics that do the testing are on your insurance and in network. Take nothing for granted.
Wouldn’t you be elated if relief was just taking one pill once a day? It could be that simple. Don’t procrastinate and get yourself some help right away!
People who have acid reflux usually have it the rest of their lives unless is it just pregnancy heartburn. Reflux is not something that generally gets cured. I am now a proud member of AARP and, as I said before, have had it since I was 19. I take my medication everyday whether I think I need it or not.
Most of the time after a meal is when you will expect to have symptoms. Think about how your stomachs tarts to digest the meal you just consumed and needs those acids to break the substances down so that it can be absorbed by your system. People vary on how badly they feel. Upon occasion acid reflux been confused as a heart in some sufferers. Other may only vomit into their throats. I just feel hungry. I am more than pleased my symptoms are not more severe. Don’t sit around and not get help. This is not the time to stick your head in the sand. From all statistics it will not subside with time only get worse.
I have a brother who consumed Tums at an alarming rate. He hadn’t noticed his habit until I asked him about it. He said he had heartburn constantly so I suggested Prilosec. He now takes this little pill each day and he feels much better. From time to time he says taking two in a day, like Thanksgiving does the trick. He is now symptom free.