Heartburn, Gas & Bloating…
Common problems. How do you deal with these? What are the differences, causes and solutions?
Re: Acid Reflux
This is an issue near and dear to my heart....my son suffers from GERD "Gastro-esophogael reflux disease" which means that his stomach valve is very weak and opens up to allow food and stomach acids to splash up his esophagus which causes burning pain every time he eats. Medications help - to some degree. But he will never enjoy eating and it is always a struggle to get him to eat enough.
Its a tough thing to overcome for a little one. Adults even have a tough time with it since many times there is no difference in the symptoms of heart attack and severe GERD.
The meds help. To a degree. Also, you have to watch what you eat very carefully.
Re: Acid Reflux
I just re-read this and realized that I didnt really answer the question. If you suffer from reflux, there are a few different medications that can help.
There are "Antacids" such as rolaids and Tums. These are pleasant-tasting chewable tablets that neutralize stomach acid. The releif is pretty immediate for mild to moderate reflux. The thing to remember about antacids is not to take any other meds for a period of about an hour after using an antacid. Many meds use stomach acid to work effectively and since antacids reduce or eliminate stomach acids, they will not be effective.
There are "PPI" medications. These are Proton Pump Inhibitors such as prilosec or Nexium. They cause the acid-producing glands in the stomach to produce MUCH less stomach acid and have also been shown to tighten the LES valve which keeps the contents of the stomach down. These must be taken alone, usually on an empty stomach. Avoid taking antacids or consuming milk products for at least an hour after taking a PPI. The effect is not immediate but rather used to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced which can eliminate GERD over time. PPIs are used for severe GERD/reflux.
H2 blockers. These also prevent production of stomach acids. They do not affect acids already present and need to be taken alone. They are not as strong as the PPI type of medication so this would be for moderate or mild cases.
As far as dietary changes, avoid high acid foods - tomatoes, citrus, coffee. Avoid fatty and oily foods. Eat smaller meals more often. Sleep with your head raised, add more pillows.
I think this info may be more useful!
Re: Acid Reflux
Thanks MO3. Really appreciate your time and effort. This information is generally for anyone suffering from these issues.
This is an issue near and dear to my heart....my son suffers from GERD "Gastro-esophogael reflux disease" which means that his stomach valve is very weak and opens up to allow food and stomach acids to splash up his esophagus which causes burning pain every time he eats. Medications help - to some degree. But he will never enjoy eating and it is always a struggle to get him to eat enough.
Its a tough thing to overcome for a little one. Adults even have a tough time with it since many times there is no difference in the symptoms of heart attack and severe GERD.
The meds help. To a degree. Also, you have to watch what you eat very carefully.
Mamaof3 how old is your son? My son is 5 months old and he has been on medication for last 3 months....
I was wondering when can I stop the medication but his doctor says he would outgrow them soon...... not sure how soon...
-Sanna
Hi Sanna,
I'm sorry about your little one....my son is now 7. He was diagnosed with GERD when he was just over the age of 2 but we're sure he had it since birth, it just took us a while to realize his doc was an idiot.
Many infants outgrow their reflux by age 1 year. Thats because their LES valve gets stronger by then and it doesnt open up to allow food and acid to go back up the esophagus. Most Ped GIs will give a couple of trial runs - stopping their reflux medicine for a few weeks to see how things go around age 9 months and 12 months. If symptoms return - wet burps during a meal, vomiting, arching the back, crying and/or eating less they'll continue the meds.
I hope your little one outgrows it!
For acid reflux, a glass of cold plain milk or a cup of vanilla ice-cream works well too.
Re: Acid Reflux
Peace Sister
Acquired causes of GERD result from something called Hiatus Hernia …
A hiatus hernia is a particular variant of this type, in which the normal passageway through which the esophagus meets the stomach (esophageal hiatus) serves as a functional “defect”, allowing part of the stomach to (periodically) “herniate” into the chest. Hiatus hernias may be either “sliding,” in which the gastroesophageal junction itself slides through the defect into the chest, or non-sliding (also known as para-esophageal), in which case the junction remains fixed while another portion of the stomach moves up through the defect. Non-sliding or para-esophageal hernias can be dangerous as they may allow the stomach to rotate and obstruct. Repair is usually advised.