Reflux medicine: what to take to relieve symptoms?

Reflux medicine: what to take to relieve symptoms?

Reflux is a common condition and, in most cases, does not cause major problems, as it occurs in isolation. But if the frequency is high, this discomfort can cause health problems.

It occurs when there is a return of stomach contents to the esophagus, reaching the throat. Over time, the mucous membranes may suffer aggressions due to the acidity of the gastric juice.

Overweight, smoking , excessive alcohol consumption, presence of hernia in the digestive system, pregnancy, poor diet and stress are the main risk factors for it to happen.

Among the symptoms most reported by the patient are:

  • Heartburn: burning sensation in the chest and radiating to the throat;
  • Regurgitation: return of acidic foods or liquids to the mouth.

The Brazilian Consensus on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) considers as a patient with reflux the patient who has one of these manifestations for at least twice a week for 4 weeks.

Contents

What is good for reflux?

To alleviate reflux, you should avoid fatty foods or those that have caffeine, alcohol, pepper, mint and mint, in addition to not consuming fizzy drinks (such as sodas).

Antacid remedies can be used to relieve symptoms caused by reflux, as their effect neutralizes stomach acidity, reducing burning.

The most used are those that contain aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate in their composition.

Other medications ( Eno , Estomazil , Engov ) that relieve and combat symptoms can also be used.

However, these medications can cause the “rebound effect”, causing the symptoms to worsen later. That is, the frequent use of them, only easing the symptoms, can cause an increase in stomach acidity, which aggravates the symptoms.

Other medications to relieve and combat symptoms can also be used.

To avoid the rebound effect and other complications, avoid self-medication . Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

What is the indicated remedy for reflux in the throat?

The reflux in the throat shows symptoms such as hoarseness, bad breath , pain in that region and dry cough .

There are three types of remedies indicated for reflux:

  • Antacids: neutralize the acids produced in the stomach;
  • H2 receptor antagonists: block the reception of histamine, which prevents the release of hydrochloric acid (stomach). This reduces stomach irritation;
  • Proton pump inhibitors: suppress gastric acid production.

The vast majority of remedies are in tablets that must be swallowed whole, that is, without chewing or breaking. As for antacid lozenges, most should be chewed or dissolved in the mouth.

There are also options in drops (usually given to children) and injectable (which must be applied with a health professional).

The most suitable remedies for reflux are:

Omeprazole

The Omeprazole is a popular drug, indicated for the treatment of benign peptic ulcers, gastric hyperacidity and prevent the return of these conditions.

Its presentation is in tablets, being a proton pump inhibiting agent.

The dosage depends on the medical advice, but the advice is that it is used before breakfast.

Ranitidine

The Ranitidine is a medicament particularly suitable for tablets to treat ulcers in the stomach or duodenum and treatment of reflux related problems.

The substance ranitidine reduces the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach, reducing irritation and the resulting symptoms.

The tablet should be swallowed whole, with water. The dosage should always be directed by a doctor, but, in general, the medication can be used once a day, preferably at night, or 2 or 3 times a day, depending on necessity.

Dexilant

Dexilant is a drug (in tablet) indicated for adults (over 18 years). It combats heartburn , burning and the sour taste caused by reflux.

This medication is indicated for reducing the acidity in the stomach. The dosage varies according to the medical history and the severity of each case.

People who have liver problems, osteoporosis , pregnant women and lactating women cannot consume this medicine, which is part of the proton pump inhibitor category.

Bromopride

The Bromopride can be found in various forms: tablets, injections and drops. The dosage of each presentation can be prescribed by a doctor according to the needs of each patient.

People with epilepsy and babies under 1 year of age cannot ingest this drug, which, because it is a D2 receptor (dopamine) antagonist, is indicated to combat reflux.

Lansoprazole

The Lansoprazole is appointed to assist the healing of wounds in the digestive system that are caused by regurgitation of acid.

This remedy takes, on average, 2 hours to act and its effect lasts almost 24 hours, since it is a proton pump inhibitor and provides a prolonged decrease in acidity in the stomach.

Frequent alcohol users and people with liver problems should inform their doctor of these conditions before taking Lansoprazole.

Luftagastropro

Luftagastropo is an antacid remedy that prevents reflux for 4 hours, relieving symptoms.

The medicine is sold in bottles or sachets (both in liquid). After ingested, the drug forms a gel when it reaches the stomach and begins to take effect within 15 seconds after ingestion.

However, children (under the age of 12) and people with kidney problems cannot take this medication unless under medical supervision.

Bisured magnesia

The magnesia bisurada relieves burning, pain and heartburn caused by reflux. Children, people with kidney and calcium problems can take this antacid medicine only under medical advice.

It is sold in tablets (which must be chewed or dissolved) and does not need to be ingested with water. A maximum of 10 tablets should be consumed daily with intervals of at least 1 hour.

Droxaíne

Droxaíne contains substances that neutralize the acids formed by the stomach. That way, you can combat the symptoms of reflux (pain, burning and heartburn).

In addition, the drug assists in reducing pain due to the presence of an anesthetic substance in the composition.

This antacid medication cannot be used by children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with kidney complications or suspected appendicitis, unless it is under medical recommendation.

Can babies take medication for reflux?

Refluxes in infants are common, but most remedies to combat this condition and its symptoms have age restrictions, and are not suitable for newborns and babies under 1 year of age. So, in case of doubts, take the baby to the pediatrician, who will be able to evaluate and prescribe the best medicine. 

In general, the condition is common, as their digestive system is still getting used to digesting milk.

Therefore, it should not be a cause for concern if it occurs after breastfeeding or with low frequency

But, if it is frequent, extending after the breastfeeding, or is accompanied by symptoms (regurgitation, irritation, crying and refusal to breastfeed) it can hinder the development of the baby.

Therefore, if the refluxes are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, a medical evaluation is necessary.

Try to avoid reflux before it happens. So, avoid rocking the baby while breastfeeding, burp him after breastfeeding and lay him on his back.

Home remedies for reflux: how to relieve symptoms?

Although their effectiveness has not been proven by scientists , some home remedies (such as teas and juices) can improve symptoms. Some common ingredients (for example, lemon and ginger ) can also be added to combat this problem on a daily basis.

Chamomile tea

Take between 2 and 3 cups of chamomile tea a day. This plant helps to calm the stomach and control digestion naturally.

Ginger

Ginger speeds digestion by making food stay in the stomach for less time.

Therefore, it can be consumed frequently by people who have reflux problems.

If the temperature is high, put a few slices of ginger in a little bottle of water and consume this drink throughout the day.

If the thermometers are low, you can make tea from the root or add it to hot dishes.

Lemon

Like ginger, lemon can be used in many ways. Juices, spices and preparations from various dishes include this fruit.

There are those who consume the fruit to assist in the production and regulation of gastric juice, but this recipe may not always help. Its acidity can increase irritation in areas that have already been hit by reflux.

Therefore, the prevailing rule is to notice if there are worsening of symptoms with the consumption of the fruit. If not, putting it in the diet is allowed.

Apple

Apples help neutralize stomach acids, which helps to reduce stomach discomfort caused by reflux.

Eat 1 to 2 units of the fruit every day, especially after the heaviest meals (which are usually lunch and dinner).

Aloe Vera (aloe vera)

Aloe Vera improves the intestinal flora and helps in detoxification and blood circulation.

It contains vitamins (B and C), iron, copper, calcium, potassium and manganese that act to relieve the pain and burning caused by reflux.

Whenever possible, consume this ingredient. Drinking two glasses of Aloe Vera juice every day also fights reflux.


Reflux is a complication that can show signs such as burning and stinging. Taking care of food and changing behavioral habits (smoking and physical inactivity, for example) are recommended measures to combat reflux.

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