A lot of individuals face gastrointestinal problems, especially heartburn. It arises due to GERD- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Well, occasional indigestion or heartburn is easy to treat with gastro meds like over-the-counter antacids. The doctor may prescribe them along with other GI medication.
They help reduce the acid produced in the stomach. Some antacids help offer relief for gases in the stomach. This medicine is highly effective in managing symptoms that do not occur often.
When you face problems like ulcers, heartburn, or stomach acid, the doctor may prescribe PPI (proton pump inhibitor) to manage the problems.
The gastro meds treat problems like increased stomach acid, stomach/intestinal ulcers, or heartburn.
There are small pump cells that produce acids in the stomach. PPI closes these cells to reduce the production of acids. A lot of them are over-the-counter or prescription medicines. But, some medicine like omez is given through veins to the patients at the hospital for bleeding ulcer treatment. PPI lowers the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer from re-occurring.
The doctor may also recommend H2 blockers to treat the symptoms of GERD, peptic ulcers, or infection of the food pipe.
Well, H2 blockers and PPIs reduce acid production in the stomach. The H2 blockers start working within one hour. The effects last for nearly 12 hours. On the other hand, PPIs take more time to show their effects. Its effects last for 24 hours.
Remember, most H2 blockers and PPIs are available as prescription and non-prescription drugs. You can see a variation in their potential. Over-the-counter medication is available at cheap rates. So, speak to your medical expert before choosing any option.
The doctor would also recommend this agent as a medicine for digestive problems. Some symptoms occur due to issues with gastric emptying. In such cases, these agents help treat the symptoms effectively.
The doctor may prescribe this agent when PPIs and H2 blockers fail to manage your symptoms.
Well, these agents allow faster digestion in your body. They restore the movement of GI contents via your intestines, food pipe, and stomach. It helps prevent acid from staying in your stomach for longer.
Hence, these agents reduce the number of acids that control the GI tract and reduce the occurrence of acid reflux.
These agents increase the muscle contractions in your upper digestive tract. It boosts the speed at which stomach contents move into the intestines.
Make sure you do not drink alcohol while taking gastro meds or GI medication. It can cause an upset stomach and increase the side effects of specific medicines.
So, if you are taking other medicines that help to avoid a gas problem, let your physician know about them. GI medications can interact with these drugs and vice versa.
The symptoms related to digestive disorders differ from one individual to other.
What are problems that can arise due to frequent GERD or heartburn?
· Breathing problems like nighttime block, asthma, etc.,
· Food pipe cancer
· Painful infection of the food pipe.
· Narrowing of the food pipe.
Well, stress & anxiety not only disturb your mental health, but they can also affect your digestive health. According to studies, there is a connection between the brain and the GI tract. It is always two-way communication between the two. There is an exchange of messages with each other. Hence, the gut consists of more neurons than the entire spinal cord.
Living with excessive stress can give rise to several digestive problems. For example, infection, appetite loss, bloating and cramping.
Fiber is a vital ingredient for your digestive health and lets you feel fuller. It makes the digestion of some foods easy.
Today, everyone is discussing gut health. Fibers contain plenty of good bacteria that are beneficial for the large intestine. Fiber offers several health benefits too. You can get fiber from whole grains, beans, legumes, and vegetables.
With a diet low in fiber, you can resolve several digestive problems like constipation, bloating, etc.
A lot of people do not drink enough water. Water is crucial for your digestive health and cleanses the entire GI tract. It softens your stool and prevents constipation.
Water helps the digestive system to break down food into small pieces. It also allows the GI tract to take up nutrients faster. So, you should drink more water to resolve digestive problems.
Dairy products like cheese and milk are full of proteins and fats. They are not easy to digest. So, eating a lot of dairy products can result in abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, constipation, etc.
Due to the hectic work culture, people do not do physical exercise. Lack of physical movement disturbs your digestive health. Hence, switch to a regular exercise regime to stay active.
Well, we cannot reverse the aging process. Gastrointestinal disorders increase with age. With age the digestive glands become weak. It affects reflux and stomach movement and gives rise to digestive problems. With growing age, you may be at risk of getting digestive system cancers.
Just like age, we cannot avoid genetic factors too. Your genes are responsible for digestive disorders too.
Many gastrointestinal disorders have genetic factors responsible for them. It means these problems arise due to genetic aspects. It means your genes are also responsible for your digestive disorders.
Some lifestyle changes can help you manage digestive disorders. Try to treat the problems on time to avoid further complications.
Pantoprazole sodium
These medicines are most beneficial for gastrointestinal