Aicd Reflux, what do you do?

[Youarehere]

I have several family members who swear by plain old baking soda. I don't get it so I don't know.

 

[Disney Doll]

I take OTC Pepcid.

A friend of mine takes Gaviscon for bad reflux.

 

[S. C.]

Don't know if this has been mentioned i didn't read replys. Caffeine will cause it too. DH has to drink decaf coffee and pop.

 

[disney kid at heart]

If this is something ongoing, then it could probably be GERD. (and not just something brought on by eating spicy foods, etc...)

Ongoing acid reflux (GERD) can be a serious problem. So, I would recommend that you see a doctor (preferably a specialist) if you have not seen on already.

My MIL has GERD (hers is genetic.. faulty flap/valve where the esophagus and the stomach meet) And, she did develop esophogeal cancer. This is one of the least curable cancers, and is very deadly. At the stage where they discovered hers, she is very lucky to be on of those who beat the odds!!! She has been fine ever since she underwent treatment a few years ago.

Onset at night, when lying down, is a classic symptom of this. My MIL bought one of those electronic adjustable beds, which she keeps the upper section elevated.. more like one might do when reading in bed... but this is how she sleeps. Before that, she sometimes slept in a big recliner when her GERD was bad.

Of course she has been on prescription acid blockers, probably like the ones mentioned by previous posters.

I think it is recommended that a person with GERD should take thier medication every day, and not wait until they get the bad heartburn, to avoid the damage (and possible cancer) in the esophagus.

They put me on Nexium 2x's day in 2002 when they found Barretts esophagus and watch it closely. You are so right if anyone is having heartburn it is best to have a gastroenterologist do a egd to make sure they catch if it is more serious. Hope your MIL is doing ok.

 

[disney kid at heart]

Bringing this up again (no pun intended) I am up and unable to sleep due to the horrible burning sensation I get when I lay down...the reflux feeling began at work today around 5pm. I took a prilosec the second I got home... So just now when I got up I took a zantac ate 2 pieces of white bread and took 4 tums... it is a little bit better but I still feel it, like if I lay down it will rush right up my throat again... this is HORRIBLE.... I am calling my GI doctor in the am... So I am bringing this topic back again for support and anymore remedies that you have found.... thanks

BTW I took my headache medications that knock me out and I have to get up at 5am for school, so now here I am tired as all get out and can't even go back to bed..... Ok thanks for letting me vent...

I'm glad you are getting into your Dr. You need that checked out. Also, I don't know if anyone has said this as i haven't read the whole thead, but they found out several years ago that mild and dairy will only help temporarally then makes it worse. Back in the old days they had you on bland creamy liquids and soups then they changed their minds. Hope you get to feeling better soon.

 

[MzDiz]

Aciphex is a lifesaver for me. I've tried everything out there and it worked the best.

 

[Pig Pen]

This may sound silly, but if I get an attack and am without meds, I find that chewing gum helps calm the acid. I don't know why but it works for me.

 

[Pig Pen]

Also, to all of you who mentioned that food gets stuck in your esophogus, what causes this? This happens to me occasionally. Sometimes I cannot swallow but I am still able to breathe. It's very scary and once I had to go to the ER. They just sedated me and removed the food with some kind of machine. They gave me a barium swallow test and said all looked fine, but I still have problems.

Does reflux cause this to happen?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes, but I found that the Zyrtec I was taking was the culprit for me. Who knew?
My ENT said it dries you out so much that it cause this.

Just an FYI for those that may be on it.

 

[MzDiz]

Also, to all of you who mentioned that food gets stuck in your esophogus, what causes this? This happens to me occasionally. Sometimes I cannot swallow but I am still able to breathe. It's very scary and once I had to go to the ER. They just sedated me and removed the food with some kind of machine. They gave me a barium swallow test and said all looked fine, but I still have problems.

Does reflux cause this to happen?

I recently had an endoscopy done for other reasons and while they were in there, they stretched my esophagus (ouch!). I was under sedation, of course, and don't remember it, but that was one heck of a sore throat. I had told the doctor that I was having trouble swallowing and food was getting stuck. He said that it could have been a result of acid reflux. I swallowed fine for two weeks or so, but things are getting stuck again.

 

[Disneylover79]

I am glad that I am not alone... I have had an EGD done in the past and they have only seen a hiatal hernia... but the reflux has started in the past 2 weeks and it is so bad....I am taking prilosec otc 2 times a day and Zantac with every meal.... I hope the dr can get me in real soon... I am a nurse so I am going to talk to him when I see him at the hospital to let him know whats up...

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I am glad that I am not alone... I have had an EGD done in the past and they have only seen a hiatal hernia... but the reflux has started in the past 2 weeks and it is so bad....I am taking prilosec otc 2 times a day and Zantac with every meal.... I hope the dr can get me in real soon... I am a nurse so I am going to talk to him when I see him at the hospital to let him know whats up...

Oh, you did not mention the hernia. Have you put yourself on a severely strict reflux diet?

My sister's MIL was in the hospital for this. Her bowels and stomach were twisted. And yet she continues to eat like crap. She also was throwing up on purpose because of the food issue.

When when throw up the hernia sits in your chest and can kill you. I am sure as a nurse you know this.

You need to see a gastro ASAP, you may have serious issues which is why you cannot get relief.