How does antacid decrease stomach discomfort

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health. Posted by Revere Health. Understanding How Antacids Work. Types of antacids Antacids are neutralizing, absorbing agents taken to relieve heartburn or indigestion caused by excess stomach acid. Acid reducers Acid reducers help to relieve heartburn by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Consult with your gastroenterologist before taking a proton pump inhibitor if: You are elderly or have a compromised immune system. These medicines may increase your risk for pneumonia. You are a postmenopausal woman. Proton pump inhibitors reduce calcium absorption and may increase your risk for osteoporosis. You have been treated for a Clostridium difficile infection.

Proton pump inhibitors may put you at an increased risk for a return of the infection. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals. Learn more about Telehealth. From the blog See more posts.

Additionally, antacids that contain aspirin can be a risk to people who take the following medications:. Persistent symptoms of excess stomach acid could indicate a more serious condition that could worsen without treatment. The American College of Gastroenterology advise that a person see a doctor if they are using OTC antacids two or more times a week. A doctor may diagnose someone with GERD.

In this condition, a weak esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD include:. A person should see a doctor immediately if they are:. Heartburn occurs when acid in the stomach flows up into the esophagus and causes pain that moves from the stomach to the chest. People can use OTC antacids for occasional symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. It is worth bearing in mind that active ingredients differ among brands, and side effects can vary, so it is important that people read the instructions before taking any antacids.

If someone needs antacids more regularly, this could indicate an undiagnosed health issue, and they should see their doctor. Avoiding certain foods and maintaining a moderate weight can also help alleviate acid reflux symptoms. People who are taking other medications or have another health condition should be cautious about using OTC antacid medicines and check with their doctor or pharmacist first.

Pregnant women should use antacids with caution. Parents and caregivers should also take care to select suitable antacids for children. A doctor or pharmacist can help anyone who is unsure. Heartburn is one symptom of the condition acid reflux. Chronic acid reflux may be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This article…. More than 60 million Americans are said to have acid reflux regularly, and it causes numerous hospital admissions.

Read about risk factors, including…. Acid reflux is an uncomfortable condition in which stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. This article investigates which drinks will make it…. Acid reflux and anxiety can exacerbate each other. People may also confuse the symptoms.

Learn more about the link between these conditions here. The different types of antacids and how they work. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Brands For pregnancy For children How they work Side effects When to take them Foods to avoid Drug interactions When to see a doctor Summary Antacids are medications that people can buy over the counter to help relieve heartburn and indigestion.

Antacid brands. Share on Pinterest If symptoms of heartburn and indigestion occur occasionally rather than regularly, antacids may help manage symptoms. Antacids for pregnancy. The dose should not exceed 3 g per day. It is a good idea to think of any substance you take for a therapeutic affect as a medication.

Tell your doctor about it. This applies whether taking a prescription or over the counter drug, herb, or supplement. We recommend consultation with a qualified health care professional familiar with your particular circumstances when trying any self-treatment for a chronic or persistent condition.

How to Talk to Your Doctor. Peppermint flavoring — Peppermint is the most common antacid flavoring. By relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter to release gas, peppermint encourages the release of a belch after a meal, hence the popularity of after-dinner mints. Antiflatulent — Simethicone is a surfactant, which presumably by breaking down bubbles within the gut renders gas available for absorption.

Despite the lack of evidence of effectiveness, simethicone is included in some popular antacid preparations, thereby increasing their cost. Alginic acid — Prepared from kelp seaweed , alginate acts as a physical acid barrier for the esophagus in gastroesophageal reflux. It is not an antacid. When ingested, this tasteless and apparently harmless substance floats on gastric fluid to prevent the reflux of acid and pepsin into the esophagus.

There are no satisfactory clinical trials, but these preparations have little neutralizing power and are probably of little benefit in those reflux patients who have complicating esophagitis. Most commercial antacids contain two or more components. The most common combinations are varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. Some widely advertised brands, those with additional components and those containing greater concentrations of the effective ingredients, tend to cost more.

There are other antacids that sacrifice efficacy in the interests of taste and acceptability. Space precludes detailed listing of all products. However, labeling is required, and armed with the above information, consumers should be able to select the product most suitable to their needs. Most commercial antacids come with some instructions. It is important to heed the contraindications and not exceed the recommended daily dose.

The need for these antacids is highly individual and regular use should only be as directed by a physician. A common recommendation is to take the antacids after meals and at bedtime. In practice, most users learn to take the antacid when they have symptoms, e. A useful technique is to anticipate the timing of symptoms, such as after spicy foods or at bedtime, and take the antacid before.

Antacids are useful to provide rapid relief of intermittent heartburn, particularly if brought on occasionally by foods or various activities. Antacids also seem to help many of those with bloating or functional non-ulcer dyspepsia. By reducing gastric acidity raising the intragastric pH , antacids inactivate pepsin and relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter preparations provide only temporary symptom relief.

They do not prevent recurrence of symptoms or allow an injured esophagus to heal. They should not be taken regularly as a substitute for prescription medicines — they may be hiding a more serious condition. If needed regularly for more than two weeks, consult a physician for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders.

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This information is in no way intended to replace the guidance of your doctor. All Rights Reserved.