Stress Causes Acid Reflux

According to a National Heartburn Alliance Survey, over 58 million Americans suffer acid reflux , with 90 percent saying that acid reflux impacts or changes their lives. They also say cost of their medication impedes their ability to treat their conditions.
Although it has not been proven scientifically, many people believe that stress is a major contributor to acid reflux disease. Physiologically, stress can cause the digestive system to come to a screeching halt. Under stress the body sends energy to the muscles, via the blood stream, to help the body cope with a stressful situation. This means that less blood, or energy, is flowing to the digestive system. When digestion is slowed down in this manner, undigested food and gastric juices remain in the stomach much longer enhancing the occurrence of acid reflux.

What is most striking about the results of this survey is that more than half of the respondents say they have a busy or stressful life which increases the onset and the severity of the symptoms of acid reflux. The study does point out that although there is no proven direct link between heartburn and stress, we do know that stress itself causes behavioral changes that contribute to the problem. Increases in smoking, alcohol use, fast food or eating late at night are just some of the few changes a person may undergo during stressful times.

Reducing Stress and Treating Acid Reflux Disease

Whether you suffer from chronic acid reflux and find that stress exacerbates the condition, or you experience occasional acid reflux brought on by bouts of stress, consider the following:

• Take the pressure off yourself - Lining up too many goals to be accomplished in too short a period of time can be very stressful. Do one thing at a time. Learn to relax and learn to say no when others become too demanding. Set your priorities straight and make lists that you can stick to. Go easy on yourself.

• Take your mind off of you - "Loosing your mind" is not the worst thing you can do. Meditation, Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, Chi Gong and self-hypnotism are all great ways to relieve stress. Focusing on a demanding activity will take your mind off what is causing the stress. Not thinking about yourself can be very beneficial. These arts can also be applied to enhance life with positive improvement.

• Exercise your way to peace of mind - Everyone knows that exercise is essential for good health. Besides the physical benefits it is also an important way to relieve stress. Who has time to think about problems when you're about to win a tennis match! The endorphins produced in your brain while exercising create an opiate-like "good feeling" sensation that can take you far away from the cares of the day. It is important to find a way to make exercise fun, whether it be jogging with your dog or playing ball with your friends.

• "Let it be" - You cannot control everything in life. There will always be planes that are late arrivals or departures. The weather may not cooperate with that family picnic that you planned. Your mother-in-law may show up when least expected and there will always be taxes to pay. It is important to learn to roll with the punches. You can always find something good in an otherwise bad situation, but most importantly don't let it stress you out.

• Maintain an optimistic attitude - Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. Focus on the good things - not the bad things. Be excited about the future and believe that only good is in store for you. Better than projecting the future, concentrate on the present and demonstrate gratitude in the moment. Being optimistic not only affects others in a positive way, it gives you the balance that you need to be stress free.

• Have a good laugh! - Laughter is the great healer. A good laugh can relieve more stress than anything else. Watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club or go see Hunter Blue perform at Mimi's in New York City. Try to associate with people who make you laugh, or at least don't make you frown. Maintain a good sense of humor at all times. Stress cannot exist where there is laughter.

• Love a dog or a cat - Pet animals are a sure cure for stress. Their pure unaffected love and funny antics can blow that stress away. If you can't muster the obligation of responsibility for a pet, borrow someone else's pet or volunteer to be a care taker when they are out of town. Pets have a tranquilizing affect on us and their power to diminish stress should not be overlooked.

• Talk to a friend - It's very therapeutic when a trusted friend gives advice and thoughtful support. We all need objective guidance at times. Sympathy from friends and relatives has a calming affect and can reduce stress. It's almost as if you are not bearing your problems alone anymore and that kind of encouragement is invaluable.

• Get a massage - There is nothing quite as stress relieving as a good massage. I find that going for acupuncture is very relaxing as well. If you can't manage a massage, indulge in a long hot bath, whirlpool or steam shower.

It has been said that stress is a killer. Thankfully, its reduction is not rocket science and is quite easily accomplished. By reducing the stress in our lives, we can minimize the effect of the acid reflux condition. Of course there are other factors involved with acid reflux, but stress is certainly one of the big ones and should be dealt with in a serious manner. Relax!

© 2006 Wind Publishing
By Charles Stewart Richey

Stress Reduction

Relaxation training technique:
Record these directions for yourself by reading them slowly. Use the tape daily to practice the relaxation response:

Settle back as comfortably as you can and close your eyes. Let your self relax to the best of your ability. Now, as you relax like that, clench your right fist. Just clench your fist tighter and tighter and study the tension as you do so. Keep it clenched and feel the tension in your right fist, hand, forearm. Now relax. Let the fingers of your right hand become loose, and observe the contrast in your feelings. Now, let yourself go and try to become more relaxed all over. Once more, clench your right fist really tight Y hold it, and notice the tension again. Now let go, relax; your fingers straighten out and you notice the difference once more. Repeat that with your left fist. Clench your left fist while the rest of your body relaxes; clench that fist tighter and feel the tension. Now relax. Again, enjoy the contrast. Repeat that once more. Clench the left fist, tight and tense. Now do the opposite of tension: relax and feel the difference. Continue relaxing like that for a while. Clench both fists tighter and tighter, both fists tense, forearms tense. Study the sensations. Relax; straighten out your fingers and feel the relaxation. Continue relaxing your hands and forearms more and more.

Now bend your elbows and tense your biceps, tense them harder and study the tension feelings. All right. Straighten out your arms, let them relax and feel that difference again. Let the relaxation develop. Once more, tense your biceps; hold the tension and observe it carefully. Straighten the arms and relax; relax to the best of your ability. Each time, pay close attention to your feelings when you tense up and when you relax. Now straighten your arms. Straighten them so that you feel the most tension in the triceps muscles along the backs of your arms; stretch your arms and feel that tension. Now relax. Get your arms back into a comfortable position. Let the relaxation proceed on its own. The arms should feel comfortably heavy as you allow them to relax. Straighten the arms once more so that you feel the tension in the triceps muscles; straighten them. Feel that tension Y relax. Now concentrate on pure relaxation in the arms without any tension. Get your arms comfortable and let them relax further and further. Continue relaxing your arms even further. Even when your arms seem fully relaxed, try to go that extra bit further; try to achieve deeper and deeper levels of relaxation.

Let all your muscles go loose and heavy. Just settle back quietly and comfortably. Wrinkle up your forehead now; wrinkle it tighter. Now, stop wrinkling your forehead; relax and smooth it out. Picture the entire forehead and scalp becoming smoother as the relaxation increased. Now, frown and crease your brows and study the tension. Let go of the tension again. Smooth out the forehead once more. Now, close your eyes tighter and tighter. Feel the tension. Relax your eyes. Keep your eyes closed, gently and comfortably, and notice the relaxation. Now clench your jaws, bite your teeth together; study the tension throughout the jaws. Relax your jaws now. Let your lips part slightly. Appreciate the relaxation. Now press your tongue hard against the roof of your mouth. Look for the tension. All right. Let your tongue return to a comfortable and relaxed position. Now purse your lips. Press your lips together tighter and tighter. Relax the lips. Note the contrast between tension and relaxation. Feel the relaxation all over your face, all over your forehead and scalp, eyes, jaws, lips, tongue and throat. The relaxation progresses further and further.

Now attend to your neck muscles. Press your head back as far as it can go and feel the tension in the neck now roll it to the left. Straighten your head and bring it forward. Press your chin against your chest. Let your head return to a comfortable position and study the relaxation. Let the relaxation develop. Shrug your shoulders. Hold the tension. Drop your shoulders and feel the relaxation. Neck and shoulders relaxed. Shrug your shoulders again and move them around. Bring your shoulders up and forward and back. Feel the tension in your shoulders and in your upper back. Drop your shoulders once more and relax. Let the relaxation spread deep into the shoulders, right into your back muscles; relax your neck and throat, and your jaws and other facial areas as the pure relaxation takes over and grows deeper, deeper, ever deeper.

Relax your entire body to the best of your ability. Feel that comfortable heaviness that accompanies relaxation. Breathe easily and freely in and out. Notice how the relaxation increase as you exhale. As you breathe out, just feel that relaxation. Now breathe right in and fill your lungs inhale deeply and hold your breathe. Study the tension. Now exhale, let the walls of your chest grow loose and push the air out automatically. Continue relaxing and breathe freely, gently. Feel the relaxation and enjoy it. With the rest of your body as relaxed as possible, fill your lungs again. Breathe in deeply and hold it again. That's fine, breathe out and appreciate the relief. Just breathe normally. Continue relaxing your chest and let the relaxation spread to your back, shoulders, neck and arms. Merely let go. Enjoy the relaxation.

Now let's pay attention to your abdominal muscles; your stomach area. Tighten your stomach muscles, make your abdomen hard. Notice the tension. And relax. Let the muscles loosen and notice the contrast. Once more, press and tighten your stomach muscles, make your abdomen hard. Notice the tension. And relax. Let the muscles loosen and notice the contrast. Once more, press and tighten your stomach muscles. Hold the tension and study it, relax. Notice the general well being that comes with relaxing your stomach. Now draw your stomach in, pull the muscles in and feel the tension this way. Relax again, let your stomach out. Continue breathing normally and easily. Feel the gentle massaging action all over your chest and stomach. Now pull your stomach in again and hold the tension. Push out and tense like that; hold the tension. Once more, pull in and feel the tension.

Now relax your stomach fully. Let the tension dissolve as the relaxation grows deeper. Each time your breathe out, notice the rhythmic relaxation both in your lungs and in your stomach. Try and let go of all contractions anywhere in your body. Now direct your attention to your lower back. Arch your back, making your lower back quite hollow, and feel the tension along your spine. Settle down comfortably again, relaxing the lower back. Just arch your back and feel the tension as you do so. Try to keep the ready of your body as relaxed as possible. Try to localize the tension throughout your lower back area. Relax once more, relaxing further and further. Relax your lower back, relax your upper back. Spread the relaxation to your stomach, chest, shoulders, arms and facial area, these parts relaxing further, further, further, ever deeper.

Let go of all tensions and relax. Now flex your buttocks and thighs. Flex your thighs by pressing down your heels as hard as you can. Relax and note the difference. Straighten your knees and flex your thigh muscles again. Hold the tension. Relax your hips and thighs. Allow the relaxation to proceed on its own. Press your feet and toes downward, away from your face, so that your calf muscles become tense. Study the tension. Relax your feet and calves. This time, bend your feet toward your face so that you feel tension along your shins. Bring your toes right up. Relax again. Keep relaxing for a while.

Now let your self relax further all over. Relax your feet, ankles, calves and shins, knees, thighs, buttocks and hips. Feel the heaviness of your lower body as you relax still further. Now spread the relaxation to your stomach, waist, lower back. Let go more and more. Feel that relaxation all over. Let it proceed to your upper back, chest, shoulders and arms, right to the tips of your fingers. Keep relaxing more and more deeply. Make sure that no tension has crept into your throat; relax your neck and your jaws and all your facial muscles. Keep relaxing your whole body like that for a while. Let yourself relax all over.

Now you can become twice as relaxed as you are merely by taking in a deep breath and exhaling slowly. With your eyes closed you become less aware of objects and movements around you, thus preventing any surface tensions from developing. Breathe in deeply and feel yourself becoming heavier. Take in a long, deep breath and let it out very slowly. Feel how heavy and relaxed you have become.

In a state of perfect relaxation you should feel unwilling to move a single muscle in your body. Think about the effort that would be required to raise your right arm. As you think about raising your right arm, see if you can notice any tensions that might have crept into your shoulder and arm. You decide not to lift the arm but to continue relaxing. Observe the relief and the disappearance of tension.

Just carry on relaxing like that. When you wish to get up, count backward from four to one. You should then feel fine, refreshed, wide awake and calm.

Coping.org is a Public Service of James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance M. Messina, Ph.D., Email: jjmess@tampabay.rr.com ©1999-2007 James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance Messina, Ph.D. Note: Original materials on this site may be reproduced for your personal, educational, or noncommercial use as long as you credit the authors and website.

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Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions as Affected by Probiotics

Antioxidant Property of OM-X Probiotic Capsules. Bioactive components of the human diet, such as antioxidants, contribute a significant "flinction" to several plant-based food products. Antioxidants are very important to human health because they play a vital role in reducing the risk of "radical-related" oxidative damage associated with many clinical conditions and degenerative diseases.
By Iichiroh Ohhira

Current 20th Century research focuses on the potential to influence, by dietary means, the functional level of antioxidants in the body. Western research has emphasized the importance of the established antioxidant micronutrients including vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene. Evidence tends to argue in favor of the possible protective mechanisms underlying the value of these nutrients in reducing the risk of several important degenerative diseases especially cancer, cardiovascular disease and ocular cataracts.



As has been establish by scientific research conducted by a team of Japanese research scientists, headed by Dr. lichiroh Ohhira (the award-winning microbiologist most celebrated as the inventor of OM-X Probiotic Capsules), consumption of OM-X Probiotic Capsules on a regular basis will enhance the capability of the human body to produce badly needed antioxidants. Antioxidants are particularly important because of the role they play in combating certain human degenerative conditions. Worldwide, only OM-X Probiotic Capsules provide the ingredients isolated by Dr. Ohhira and his team of scientists.

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions and OM-X. The role of probiotics like OM-X in the prevention and treatment of certain conditions have now become evident from research on the microflora of the upper gastrointestinal tract with special reference to the lactic acid bacteria group (LAB). In fact, many research scientists are now convinced that probiotic products, such as OM-X, can assist in the treatment of certain diseases.

The normal microflora of the mouth, stomach and duodenum are a rich ecosystem of enormous complexity containing a large number of species of bacteria. The esophagus and mouth have similar bacterial populations. In a "fasting" condition, the stomach and duodenum contain very few microorganisms and those that are present are mainly derived from the oral cavity and throat The total population and species in the entire ecosystem show dramatic variations along the gastrointestinal tract with the highest concentration of microorganisms residing in the colon.

During fasting, the gastric juice contains only small numbers of bacteria and yeast ranging from 100 to 100,000 per ml. The predominant bacterial group found in the stomach and duodenum include Streptococci, Lactobacillus sp., Veillonelta sp. and Clostridium perfringens.

After a meal, the bacterial counts in the gastric juice increase 100 to 1000 fold. This dramatic increase in transient bacterial counts will return to baseline levels within one to two hours as a result of a decrease in gastric juice volume and pH, as well as the effects of gastric motility.

A wide variation of bacterial types occurs among individuals, however, the number of species and population of bacteria are relatively stable in healthy adults. Within the upper gastrointestinal tract, the normal established "resident" bacterial microflora may be altered by bacteria introduced into the body as a normal part of food ("transient" microflora) or as contaminants ("accidental" microflora). In the upper gastrointestinal tract, these transient bacteria have a much greater effect on the resident microflora because of the lower numbers of the latter being present.

In spite of its stability, the intestinal microflora can vary enormously in the stomach and duodenum dependent on host factors such as level of gastric acid secretion, bile salts, and mucous in the intestinal wall.

In addition, medications, diet, infections, age, stress and climate can also alter the microflora. The contents of microflora may also be influenced by bacterial interaction such as antagonism or symbiosis. Adaptation of intestinal microflora can occur to most substances that enter the intestines from the oral tract or the biliary system. This adaptation occurs within several days with the ability of intestinal microflora to metabolize these substances. Gastric acid inhibits the growth of microorganisms with the stomach of patients having no gastric acid showing an increased number of bacteria.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including lactobacillus, leuconostoc, lactococcus, pediococcus, and bifidobacterium are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The predominant population of lactic acid bacteria in the upper gastrointestinal tract is the lactobacillus species. Lactobacilli may colonize the mucosal surface of the duodenum as well as the stomach. For this to occur, lactobacilli must possess certain properties including adhesion, competitive exclusion ability and bacterial inhibitor production.

Only OM-X Probiotic Capsules provide live lactic acid bacteria that is "cultured" by Dr. Ohhira to be 6.25 times stronger than any naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria. Consequently, the "bad" bacteria in the upper gastrointestinal tract is destroyed or "inhibited" by the presence of the "good" bacteria contained in OM-X. Also, the special strains of OM-X's lactic acid bacteria, specifically TH 10, which is isolated from the Malaysian delicacy tempeh, are capable of inhibiting all harmful pathogenic bacteria living in the human "gut" including the MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Clearly, OM-X Probiotic Capsules, as developed by Dr. Ohhira, are the world's finest probiotic products. Only OM-X recognizes the challenges associated with maintaining and strengthening the microflora contained in the human "gut" so that the resident "good" bacteria make up at least 85 percent of the bacteria living in the "gut" and not more than 15 percent of "bad" bacteria reside in the human body.

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Herbal Teas for Acid Reflux Treatment

Herbal teas for acid reflux are very effective and also serve as an anti-cancer agent for your body. Tea has been used for thousands of years to soothe and ease a variety of health problems. Organic herbal tea also has been known to support wellness -- and is a good choice for those searching for a natural heartburn herbal remedy. That means that any herbal teas that you try must be caffeine-free. A few herbal teas for acid reflux:

1. Green Tea is an excellent choice to help your body digest oily and spicy foods. It can also help calm an upset stomach. Green tea is widely known for its antioxidant properties, and may even help reduce your risk for gastric and esophageal cancers. Again, be sure to choose a green tea that is non caffeinated.
2. Chamomile tea or Fennel is one of the most popular teas used. Not only that this herbal teas for acid reflux helps prevent acid reflux this could also help relieve indigestion, heartburn, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Chamomile is said to relieve esophageal irritation.
3. Peppermint tea which is made from the mint leaves that are brewed. This helps calm heartburn, settle upset stomach and relieve gas pain. Although there were doubts that peppermint could help a person with heartburn, there’s also proof that it does. The oil from the peppermint helps stimulate the flow of bile to the stomach. Studies have also indicated that drinking peppermint, spearmint or other strongly spiced teas actually causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax even more, resulting in additional acid reflux and heartburn.
4. Chicory Root Tea can also be used to make a great herbal tea. You boil a few cups of this and then let sit for a while. You can then drink the tea with honey if you wish.
5. Marshmallow tea is make from the marshmallow plant root that is used in herbal medicinal products. It is said to ease bladder infections, coat and soothe the gastrointestinal tract, relieve sore throats, ease respiratory problems and promote healing of the urinary tract.
6. Lavender Tea is a very special herbal tisane which has calming effects that helps relieve stress, fatigue, headache and insomnia.
7. Black Tea which are highly concentrated in the tea, have been associated with a number of health benefits that include reduced the risk of stroke and heart disease. According to the USDA flavonoid database, both black and green contain 150 to 190 milligrams of flavonoids per cup. They also provide trace amounts of healthful minerals such as potassium and fluoride.
8. Ginger Tea can help sooth acid reflux symptoms, and if you can find it in a tea, a cup after a meal might help your stomach settle down for the night. You can mix peppermint with aniseed and lavender for a great tasting and soothing blend. You should boil a few cups of water and a teaspoon of your herbal mix, then drain the herbs after sitting for about ten minutes. If you boil this tea and want to have it sweetened, you might try honey instead of sugar or artificial sweetener. We found a great inexpensive Ginger Tea by Botanic Choice that is perfect to ease these symptoms. Ginger is a natural wonder for occasional stomach upset indigestion and heartburn. It acts directly in the stomach to neutralize certain acids and toxins.
9. Rooibos Tea contains no colors, additives or preservatives, making it a natural beverage. It contains no caffeine which makes it a perfect warming tea if you have heartburn. Studies also show that this tea contains anti - spasmodic agents, which can relieve stomach cramping and colic in infants.

There are lots of other type of herbal teas for acid reflux that are available but remember that there are some teas that you might be allergic to so in order to make sure that you’re safe to drink it better ask your doctor first. Using the herbal teas acid reflux treatment is a much safer and a natural way of curing or improving your lifestyle.

Instead of drinking coffee everyday try changing it to herbal tea still have similar effects but herbals teas gives you more benefits than health risk. Because too much coffee drinking is one of the major causes of acid reflux and by switching to herbal teas you could help your body be healthy.

Although more expensive, it may be worthwhile to get good quality organic herbs if your aim is to also help you detoxify and cleanse your body system.

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Study links Chronic Heartburn to Esophageal Cancer

Over the past 20 years, the incidence of esophageal cancer, a highly fatal form of cancer, has rapidly increased in the United States. A recent research study has linked chronic, longstanding, untreated heartburn with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. As reported by Lagergren et al. in the study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, patients who experienced chronic, unresolved heartburn markedly increase the risk of esophageal cancer, a rare but often deadly malignancy. According to the study, the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus was nearly eight times more likely among frequent heartburn sufferers (two times a week or more) compared to individuals without symptoms, while among patients with longstanding, severe and unresolved heartburn (e.g. frequent symptoms 20 years duration), the risk of developing esophageal cancer was 43.5 times as great as for those without chronic heartburn.

Persistent symptoms of heartburn and reflux should not be ignored. By seeing your doctor early, the physical cause of GERD can be treated and more serious problems avoided.

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Privacy Policy for acid-reflux-dd.blogspot.com

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You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. acid-reflux-dd.blogspot.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

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Serious Complication of Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The more serious long term complications of Acid Reflux or GERD is not treated effectively, the constant acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus, and serious complication that may occur are :

A. Barrett's esophagus.

Acid Reflux or Heartburn that is severe or occurs frequently over a long period of time is a characteristic of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). If GERD is untreated, it can be harmful; the constant acid reflux will irritate the lining of the esophagus, and complications can occur. One of these complication is Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and saliva from the mouth to the stomach, changes so that some of its lining is replaced by a type of tissue similar to that normally found in the intestine. Those with Barrett's esophagus are 30 to 125 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than those without this condition.
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a serious condition in which changes occur in the cells that line the lower esophagus and cause the cells to become abnormal and precancerous.

B. Esophageal cancer.

The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include painful or difficult swallowing, weight loss and coughing up blood.

Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the esophagus. Doctors cannot always explain why one person gets cancer and another does not. There is, however, a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)and esophageal cancer.

C. Laryngeal cancer.

Laryngeal cancer may also be called cancer of the larynx or laryngeal carcinoma. Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, reflecting their origin from the squamous cells which form the majority of the laryngeal epithelium.

For the purposes of tumour staging, the larynx is divided into three anatomical regions: the glottis; the supraglottis epiglottis, arytenoids and aryepiglottic folds, and false cords); and the subglottis.

Researchers have reported that GERD is significantly associated with the development of laryngeal cancer (cancer of the larynx).

D. Erosive esophagitis.

Esophagitis is an inflammation and swelling of the esophagus, and is most often caused by acid-containing stomach contents refluxing back up into the esophagus.

Esophagitis means inflammation of the foodpipe. This is often characterized by redness of the lining of the foodpipe (erythema)and breaks in the lining of the foodpipe (erosions). One of the causes for the development of esophagitis is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

E. Esophageal strictures.

An esophageal stricture is a gradual narrowing of the esophagus, which can lead to swallowing difficulties. The esophagus is a relatively simple tubular structure connecting the throat to the stomach. The major functions of the stomach are to transport ingested food from the oropharynx to the stomach and to prevent regurgitation of food and gastric contents from the stomach back up into the esophagus.

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Short Term Treatment of GERD or Heartburn

Below you will find various options for heartburn treatment and GERD/acid reflux treatment for short-term relief to 24-hour acid control :

A. Drug Medication.

These acid reflux medications for children include antacids and acid reducers such as:

• Antacids . Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach and provide prompt heartburn treatment and heartburn relief.
• Maalox.
• Mylanta.

B. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists

• Axid oral. Nizatidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from coming back after they have healed. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems caused by too much stomach acid (e.g., erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux disease/GERD).
• Carafate oral. This medication is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the intestines. Sucralfate forms a coating over ulcers, protecting the area from further injury. This helps ulcers heal more quickly.
• Pepcid oral. Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines. It may be used to prevent intestinal ulcers from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat problems caused by too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (GERD).
• Reglan oral. This medication is used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and intestines. Metoclopramide is used as a short-term treatment (4 to 12 weeks) for persistent heartburn when the usual medicines do not work well enough.
• Tagamet oral. Cimetidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from coming back after they have healed. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems caused by too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux disease/GERD).
• Zantac oral. Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from returning after treatment. This medication is also used to treat and prevent certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems caused by too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD).

C. H₂ blockers.

H₂ blockers block stomach acid production and provide acid reflux treatment and relief of heartburn symptoms. However, they do not block acid as completely as proton pump inhibitors.

D. Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI).

Proton pump inhibitors are highly effective treatments and are used for long-term GERD or acid reflux treatment. Proton pump inhibitors control stomach acid and provide heartburn relief.

• ZEGERID. Providing rapid release of the active ingredients and up to 24-hour acid control and heartburn relief.
• Aciphex oral. Rabeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach/intestinal and throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
• Nexium oral. Esomeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, erosive esophagitis).
• Prilosec oral. Omeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, or Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). Decreasing excess stomach acid can help relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and trouble sleeping.
• Prevacid oral. Lansoprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, ulcers, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
• Protonix oral. Pantoprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat acid-related stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (e.g., acid reflux or GERD, erosive esophagitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

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