

Diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Aparecida Coelho de Arruda Henry, M., et al.You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. About 30% of esophageal cancer cancers are also linked to GERD. Both esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus, which are complications of acid reflux, are associated with a higher risk of cancer. In rare cases, acid reflux could lead to cancer. Learn more about acid reflux during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can cause acid reflux due to an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the gastroesophageal sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus. Why does pregnancy cause heartburn?Īs many as 45% of women experience heartburn during pregnancy.

A person may have both heartburn and indigestion at the same time, or they may experience them separately. It can occur with bloating, burping, and gas.
MECHANICAL TOMATO TIMER FULL
It describes the feeling of being uncomfortable full or in pain in the upper abdomen. People may use the terms heartburn and indigestion to mean the same thing, but they are different. What is the difference between heartburn and indigestion? When acid reflux progresses to GERD, other symptoms can include asthma, nausea and vomiting, laryngitis, pain when swallowing, dental erosion, and bad breath.

These compounds provide rapid but short-term relief by reducing the acidity of the stomach contents. They usually contain chemical compounds such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, aluminum, and magnesium hydroxide. They may not work for everyone, and any need for regular use should be discussed with a doctor. These liquid and tablet formulations are called antacids, and there are dozens of brands available, all with similar effectiveness. Antacidsįor people who experience heartburn or indigestion infrequently, perhaps in association with occasional food and drink triggers, OTC treatments to reduce the acidity of the stomach contents are available. H2 blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet) and famotidine (Pepcid). PPIs include medications such as omeprazole, rabeprazole (Aciphex), and esomeprazole (Nexium). The most recent guidelines from the American Journal of Gastroenterology recommend only a short course in order to minimize the potential side effects. For instance, they can cause problems absorbing nutrients. They are generally safe and effective, but like any prescription drug, they are not appropriate for all people with reflux disease and can cause side effects. These medications decrease acid production and reduce the potential for damage caused by acid reflux. The main treatment options for people who repeatedly experience acid reflux in GERD are PPIs or H2 blockers. There are a number of ways a doctor may treat acid reflux.
