If you have reached for a chalky tablet after a blow-out meal, you are not alone. Indigestion is often caused by excess stomach acid and results in discomfort, pain, bloating, nausea or wind. With acid reflux, acid travels up the oesophagus to the throat, leaving an unpleasant, sour taste. Antacids are perfectly safe when taken correctly. Conversely, did you know that some antacids, such as Alka Seltzer, contain aspirin?
That could be important, too — in , the US Food and Drug Administration FDA issued a warning that excessive aspirin use can cause stomach bleeding. Though antacids may alleviate symptoms in minutes, over-reliance on them may not only mask more serious issues but could even create them.
PPIs are expensive and have been linked to higher risk of some problems. Talk with your doctor before taking them for longer than two weeks. Be sure you have a good reason to take the PPI, and take it for the shortest time possible. PPIs interact with some common prescription drugs. This can increase the risk of heart attack and even death. If you take Plavix, talk to your doctor about whether you should take a PPI.
Both the prescription and over-the-counter versions of PPIs are usually more expensive than antacids and H2 blockers. But dont assume that taking medication means you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. Numerous indiscretions—overloading on fatty or fried foods, say—can trigger breakthrough symptoms.
So downing a huge meal, eating late at night, or hitting the sack shortly after a meal can be detrimental to your condition. They dont completely knock out acid, he explains. Although it sounds counterintuitive, thats a good thing. Stomach acid plays a key role in sanitizing the digestive tract and in killing off the bacteria that produce nitrosamines, a chemical compound that has been associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. So a little stomach acid is good; too much, however, can be painful.
Many times symptoms arise because people arent taking their medication correctly or at a time that optimizes its effectiveness, Dr. Johnson explains. However, some people do better taking two doses a day to stave off nighttime symptoms, he adds. And missing a pill may readily ignite that familiar burning sensation in the chest and throat and sour taste in the mouth.
Even if youre doing well on PPIs, its a good idea to have a backup plan to cope with breakthrough symptoms. Nevertheless, more than half— July 30, This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional.
You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health. Posted by Revere Health. Understanding How Antacids Work. Types of antacids Antacids are neutralizing, absorbing agents taken to relieve heartburn or indigestion caused by excess stomach acid.
Acid reducers Acid reducers help to relieve heartburn by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Consult with your gastroenterologist before taking a proton pump inhibitor if: You are elderly or have a compromised immune system. These medicines may increase your risk for pneumonia. You are a postmenopausal woman. Proton pump inhibitors reduce calcium absorption and may increase your risk for osteoporosis.
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