A ring-like valve is present at the end of your food pipe. This valve is also known as gastroesophageal sphincter. This muscular valve safeguards your food pipe by not letting undigested foods as well as acids from making a reverse or backward flow. As you turn aged and also while you consume heavy meals, this valve or sphincter loses its ability to stay tight. Loosening of this valve allows gastric acids to gain access to the food pipe / esophagus. This condition is known as acid reflux. What are acid reflux reducers? It helps to know more about them.
Your gastric system produces strong acids to digest foods you consume. For example, hydrochloric acid produced in the digestive tract aids in keeping pathogens at bay. Your inner membranes of your tummy stand protected from these harsh acids. But the linings of your food pipe do not have protection against the actions if acids. This is why when acids travel back into the pipe, it causes irritation and discomforts like acid reflux.
Those who are obese or overweight are at a higher risk of getting this gastric problem. Also, if you are a frequent smoker, and if you use drugs like painkillers, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, etc., the risk levels tend to climb up. In general, those who lead a sedentary way of living may also get it frequently.
So, what are acid reflux reducers?
Acid reducers are popularly known as H-2 blockers. Acid reducers block certain kinds of substances, including histamines. This action leads to a reduced production of acids in your digestive system. Of the many types of acid reducers, ranitidine is a popular drug.
However, due to worries about possibility of cancer, a few acid reducers like Zantac are not being used in select markets like in the US. Following this cue, a few other markets such as Australia too have restricted the access of a few types of acid reducers.
Doctors are more likely to prescribe acid reflux reducers when you are down with a sudden episode of acid reflux or heartburn. Typical symptoms of such conditions are pain in your stomach, irritation experienced all through your food pipe, difficulties while swallowing foods, etc.
Proton pump inhibitors
It helps to know of meds grouped under a gerne called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These meds are also widely used for treating heartburn and acid reflux. Widely available meds in this genre are esomeprazole, omeprazole, etc. Like acid reducers, proton pump inhibitors also aid reduction of acid levels in your digestive system. As mentioned, decrease in acid production brings in needful relief from symptoms of heartburn.
Another important sign of acid reflux is an acute discomfort or pains in the rear side of your breast. Such pains tend to turn worse while you are in a sleeping posture. Acid reducers are preferred to other approaches like proton pump inhibitors due to short-action of the former. Intake of these such meds can help you find relief within few minutes from the time of intake of a dose. It is helpful to remember that acid reducers can exert keep acid production under control for more than 10 hours.
Safe practices associated with the intake of acid reflux reducers
You are advised to have more details on acid reflux reducers prior to taking a dose. It is a safe practice to consult with a qualified physician or a certified caregiving professional before starting the doses. You may find a few drugs of this genre through the OTC route. It is always a good thing to take acid reflux reducers as per instructions of a qualified physician.
Those who have prior hypersensitivity to PPIs or acid reflux reducers (H2 blockers) need to inform their doctor of allergic reactions. If you witness adverse effects like inflammation of face or tongue, restricted respiratory cycles, passing out or loss of consciousness, inform your caregiving team with immediate effect.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley; Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Experience: 10 years as a freelance health writer and editor, contributing to blogs and magazines focused on preventive medicine and fitness.