May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Acid Reflux Chronic Acid Reflux - Does it need surgery?
Chronic Acid Reflux - Does it need surgery? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I have had acid reflux for about 4 years now and this year it has gotten a lot worse. Like instead of getting it a couple times a week I get it 3 or 4 times a day. Like if I exercise or eat too much or eat too little or eat the wrong foods(Which mostly I avoid) or when I try and sleep. I get it constantly. Now I'm on like Zantac 150mg twice a day and I still get acid reflux about twice a day and the medicine makes my stomach hurt. I have a doctors appointment for it soon but I'm 18. I don't want to take pills for the rest of my life. Should I just like ask for surgery or what? Pills don't work and diet changes didn't either. Dear Alex: I do understand your concern. Reflux can be managed with lifestyle changes like avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol smoking, taking small frequent meals, avoiding lying down after meals, and medications to reduce acid secretion such as gaviscon, peptobismol, ranitidine, esomeprazole etc. If the symptoms do not improve with these measures, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist for further investigation of the underlying cause of reflux and its treatment. If symptoms of GERD occur in association with a large hiatus hernia, either medical or surgical treatment is indicated to control the reflux. |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 07 January 2012 ) |
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