Acid Reflux Symptoms and Treatment

There are various acid reflux symptoms and treatment plans. Some people have found that a home remedy for acid reflux is effective. However, it is important to have your symptoms evaluated by a doctor, especially if chest pain is present, to rule out more serious conditions.

Heartburn, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth or back of the throat and difficulty swallowing are the most common acid reflux symptoms and treatment may include prescription and over the counter medications, dietary and lifestyle changes or botanical and herbal remedies. As you can see, acid reflux is more than just occasional heartburn, which almost everyone experiences at one time or another. As opposed to treating occasional heartburn, a home remedy for acid reflux will almost certainly include changes in diet. A food and symptoms diary is often helpful for identifying foods, beverages and other things (like cigarette smoking) that may trigger symptoms.

Catnip Plants

Persistent cough, hoarseness and upset stomach are examples of other problems that may be acid reflux symptoms and treatment, once the diagnosis is made, often begins with a group of prescription drugs called proton pump inhibitors. The coughing and hoarseness are caused by stomach acid leaking up into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Unlike a typical home remedy for acid reflux, these are taken daily and actually prevent secretion of stomach acid. Like all prescription drugs, proton pump inhibitors may cause unwanted side effects, which may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue and dizziness.

There are those who choose not to use prescription drugs for the relief of acid reflux symptoms and treatment options for them may include botanical or herbal remedies. Some may consider this a home remedy for acid reflux since no prescription is necessary, but botanicals or plants and herbs were the first form of medicine. Prescription drugs are a fairly recent addition to healthcare. When used in combination with changes in eating habits, such as reducing the number of fried, fatty and fast foods, an herbal or botanical remedy may be just as effective as a prescription drug for the relief of acid reflux symptoms and treatment of the condition.

An herbal home remedy for acid reflux may include chamomile, meadowsweet, slippery elm, cancer bush, fennel, catnip, angelica root, gentian root, ginger root or other botanicals. Slippery elm was used historically by native peoples to treat stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and other digestive complaints. Fennel and gingerroot were also common "folk remedies" for the relief of indigestion. Modern herbalists have found that a combination of several of the herbs that had been used for indigestion could be an effective home remedy for acid reflux.

For the relief of acid reflux symptoms and treatment of the condition, products containing an extract from the aloe plant are sometimes suggested. Aloe was not used historically for stomach upset, but it is believed, by some to be effective for many common digestive problems. It was used historically to soothe burns and promote healing of external injuries and has been proven to be an effective laxative. As a home remedy for acid reflux, aloe or other herbs and botanicals should only be one part of a complete treatment plan. Avoiding coffee, alcohol, spicy foods and even losing weight may be necessary for long-term control of acid reflux symptoms and treatment of the condition. It is important to treat acid reflux and visit your doctor regularly, because the condition can eventually damage the lining of the esophagus and, it is believed, can even lead to cancer of the esophagus. For more information about acid reflux symptoms and treatment options, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

Acid Reflux Symptoms and Treatment