Heartburn-Reflux Disease Information
Heartburn,commonly a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD),can often be effectively managed with a combination of dietary changes,lifestyle modification and medications.
Medications, when taken properly,can play an effective role in the short and long term management of both the symptoms of heartburn and the health consequences of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs),such as Prilosec,Prevacid, nexium and Protonix,should ideally be taken 15-30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
Avoiding chocolate,peppermint,fried or fatty foods,caffeine and alcohol may improve GERD symptoms.
Stopping smoking and weight loss both help to improve symptoms.
How Safe Are Popular Reflux Drugs?
Experts debate evidence linking acid-blockers to possible bone, heart problems. Millions of Americans take drugs like Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec to ease the erosive effects of acid reflux, but do these medicines put patients at risk for other health problems?
Experts remain divided on the potential dangers these common prescription medications might pose.
The drugs belong to a class of pharmaceuticals called "proton pump inhibitors," or PPIs, which are generally considered safe and effective. But lately these acid-reducing medications have been the subject of studies linking their use to a number of health risks, from an increased rate of hip fracture to a greater likelihood of diarrhea and community-acquired pneumonia.
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