Reflux esophagitis is a serious disease in which the contents of the stomach are thrown back into the esophagus. The ailment is quite common. It is good that there are many drugs aimed at treating this pathology. Now we will talk about the most popular and effective means.
However, we must remember that self-medication is fraught with consequences. How to treat reflux esophagitis can only be said by a doctor after examination, analysis and diagnosis.
Principles of Therapy
The treatment of this disease is based on the following principles:
- Maintaining a specific lifestyle and diet.
- Decreased acidity in the stomach.
- Strengthening evacuation activities.
- Stimulation of the motility of the digestive tract.
- Restoration of the gastric mucosa and its protection.
Before you talk about how to treat reflux esophagitis, it must be noted that therapy lasts 4 weeks. In the case of an erosive form of the disease, the duration is increased to 8 weeks. Possible increase in dosage.
If the doctor diagnosed the changes that occurred on the background of the disease outside the esophagus, the treatment is extended to 12 weeks. When remission occurs, the patient is transferred to maintenance therapy.
Treatment regimens may vary. Here are the three most commonly practiced options:
- The patient is taking the same drug as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take into account complications, concomitant symptoms and changes in the mucous membrane. This scheme is ineffective.
- The patient follows a diet, takes antacids. When prescribing the drug, the severity of the inflammatory process is taken into account. Several medicines may be prescribed.
- First, the patient takes strong proton pump inhibitors, and then weak prokinetics. This method is used if the disease is severe.
What kind of scheme will be chosen is determined by the attending physician, who takes into account the clinical picture and the data obtained from the examination.
Antacids
Now you can talk about how to treat reflux esophagitis. Antacids are drugs that neutralize hydrochloric acid. They also bind bile acids, accelerate the release of bicarbonates, and also inactivate pepsin. Non-systemic antacids containing magnesium and aluminum are considered the best.
As a rule, doctors prescribe these drugs:
- "Maalox." Available in the form of a sachet with a pleasant taste, tablets and suspensions.
- Almagel. Has a composition similar to the previous drug.
- "Almagel A". Additionally, the drug includes a local anesthetic. Therefore, this tool also has an analgesic effect. But it can not be taken for more than 1 month.
- "Almagel NEO." An additional component of this drug is simethicone, which eliminates flatulence and bloating.
- Gastal. Well-known medication, available in the form of tablets with various tastes.
- "Phosphalugel." This is a multicomponent antacid, which is produced in the form of a sachet. The drug positively affects peristalsis, and also helps to eliminate harmful substances from the intestines.
- "Gastracid." Known remedy from a European manufacturer.
- "Relzer." In addition to antacids, this drug includes the notorious simethicone and licorice extract, which provides protection to the mucous membrane and has an antispasmodic effect.
- Taltsid. The medication provides long-term maintenance of acidity at a normal level, since it contributes to the gradual release of ions.
- "Rutacid." Chewable tablets, easy to use.
Talking about how to treat reflux esophagitis, it is necessary to make a reservation that experts recommend the use of drugs in liquid form. So they are faster and easier to digest. This is important for this ailment.
Alginates
The medicines of this group should also be mentioned, since it is about how to treat reflux esophagitis. Alginates, as well as antacids, are designed to reduce acidity. And they have such a name because of the alginic acid included in their composition.
Many doctors find these drugs more preferred than antacids. They are almost completely safe, and the effect occurs 4-7 minutes after administration.
The best alginates are:
- Laminal.
- Gaviscon.
- Alginate sodium, magnesium and calcium.
They are available in the form of suspensions, chewing plates and capsules. It is necessary to apply them while eating food for long courses.
Proton pump inhibitors
Here's another way to treat reflux esophagitis. IPP drugs have a cumulative effect, therefore, in the first few days of admission, the patient does not notice any changes. They begin to work in full force when enough active substance accumulates in the secretion of gastric juice.
Popular medicines in this group include:
- Acrylans. Available in packs of 10, 20 and 30 capsules. You need to drink 1 time per day.
- "Lantsid." It treats all acid-dependent gastrointestinal diseases. The dosage is for single use. With serious symptoms, the doctor increases the amount of the drug taken.
- Epicurus. Each capsule contains as much as 30 mg of active ingredient.
- Omez. The drug is a new generation. In each capsule - 40 mg of the active substance. You need to take it once a day. This is enough to suppress acid production for a day.
- "Bioprazole". It is rapidly adsorbed in the stomach, the maximum concentration is fixed within half an hour after administration.
In addition to the listed drugs, the doctor may prescribe Omezol, Losek, Ultra, Kontrolok, Nolpaza, Pariet, Ontime, Zolispan, Bereta, Zulbeks or Rabelok .
But the most expensive and most effective are medicines based on esomeprazole. These are Nexium and Emanera. And the most affordable and safe are considered drugs whose active components are pantoprazole and lansoprazole. They are suitable for almost everyone, and side effects are extremely rare.
H2-histamine receptor blockers
These antisecretory drugs are aimed at reducing the production of hydrochloric acid. Also, these drugs have the following actions:
- They accelerate the secretion of prostaglandins.
- Stimulate blood flow in the gastric mucosa.
- Inhibit pepsin synthesis.
- Activate the process of synthesis of bicarbonate.
- Stimulate the formation of mucus.
Using these drugs, reflux esophagitis can be treated much faster. Tablets, like the previous funds listed, are prescribed by the doctor. The most famous H2-histamine receptors are:
- "Cimetidine" ("Histodil"). The medicine is the first generation. It was once widely used, but now it is obsolete, and therefore it is absent in many pharmaceutical networks. It has many side effects.
- “Ranitidine” (“Ranisan”, “Zantak”, “Ranigast”, “Histak”, etc.). Transferred much better than the previous drug. But in practice, cases of the development of acute hepatitis occurring against the background of its administration are known.
- “Famotidine” (“Kvamatel”). According to studies, it is 7-20 times more effective than the previous drug (all differently). A valid for 10-12 hours. It is well tolerated by patients even in the treatment of exacerbations. Side effects are minimal. It can even be taken with alcohol addiction.
In general, 5 generations of H2-histamine receptors are isolated. There are also Nizatadin and Roxatidine, which were previously used, but are not already registered in Russia at the moment. As a rule, drugs of the II and III generations are used.
Prokinetics
These agents should also be described as part of the topic regarding how to treat reflux esophagitis. Tablets of this group regulate the motility of the digestive tract. Also, drugs help promote intestinal contents, improve the functioning of the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, and also prevent the reflux of food.
Therefore, if a person is interested in how to treat GERD (reflux esophagitis), he needs to know the names of effective prokinetics:
- Metoclopramide, Raglan, Cerucal and Gastrosil. Stimulate the work of the upper sections of the tract, reduce the excitability of the vomiting center, do not affect peristalsis.
- Domperidon, Motilium, Motilak and Domperon. The drugs are devoid of side effects from the central nervous system. The action is on the duodenum and gastric motility. Produce a moderate antiemetic effect.
- “Prukaloprid” (“Resolor”). It has a pronounced effect on intestinal motility. It has a good laxative effect.
- Latran, Zofran. The main component of these funds affects the movement of food from the stomach. Also normalizes the tone of the large intestine.
- Tropindol (Navoban, Tropisetron). These drugs are prescribed even to cancer patients after chemotherapy. They have a long effect. Taking them, you can normalize the functioning of the lower sphincter, as well as prevent the throwing of gastric contents.
- “Itoprid” (“Itomed” and “Ganaton”). It tones the lower esophageal sphincter, prevents the throwing of contents, and also stimulates peristalsis and improves emptying. It also has a moderate antiemetic effect.
These drugs are the answer to the question of how and how to treat reflux esophagitis. Which pills will work best is up to the doctor to decide.
By the way, there is also a prokinetics of plant origin! And this is Iberogast. It contains extracts of 9 plants. Each of them acts on the digestive tract individually. But the fact that the drug normalizes motility, speeds up the passage of food, increases the production of mucus and reduces the secretion of hydrochloric acid is a fact.
Cytoprotectors
Much has been said above about how to treat reflux esophagitis. What pills are still suitable for eliminating this disease? Of course, cytoprotectors. These are tools that improve the protective properties of the inner wall of the stomach and esophagus. They also accelerate the healing of ulcers and erosion, reduce acidity and improve blood circulation.
Here are some drugs related to this group that treat reflux esophagitis:
- "Dalargin." The substance has a peptide nature. Heals ulcers of the duodenum and stomach, suppresses proteolysis, has a pronounced hypotensive effect.
- Misoprostol. It has a powerful cytoprotective effect, increases the formation of mucus in the stomach and increases the protection of its membrane. Affects directly on parietal cells.
- "Altan". A complex preparation, which includes substances of a polyphenolic nature.
- "Gastritol". A multi-component herbal remedy that helps with gastrointestinal disorders.
- Gastroflox. This is a herbal tea that has a stimulating effect on the reparative processes occurring in the mucous membrane. It also improves digestion and reduces dyspeptic symptoms.
- "Kaleflon." A good anti-inflammatory drug that stimulates healing processes even with ulcers and chronic gastritis.
- Yazbin. A combined herbal preparation that has anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects, and also neutralizes stomach acid and improves digestion.
It is also worth noting the attention of such a medication as "Cytotec." A good antiulcer drug that has a cytoprotective effect. You just can not use it to treat reflux esophagitis during pregnancy. Than to treat - the doctor will tell, but certainly not "Cytotech". This tool, by contrast, is used by many to terminate a pregnancy for up to 42 days.
Other drugs
Continuing to talk about how and how to treat reflux esophagitis of an erosive or other origin, it should be noted that symptomatic therapy is often still prescribed. The fact is that this disease can be caused by another ailment. And it often proceeds against the background of any pathology. These are individual cases:
- If the cause is a psychological, neurological or nervous problem, then antidepressants and sedatives may be prescribed.
- With gastric ulcer, antibacterial drugs must be additionally taken.
- It is necessary to use immunostimulating agents if the mucous membrane is exposed to external influences, which negatively affects the general state of health.
In such cases, narrow-profile specialists decide which drugs to treat reflux esophagitis.
Homeopathic remedies may also be prescribed. They are needed to enhance the effect of the main therapy. Homeopathic medicines normalize the motor function of the digestive tract and accelerate tissue regeneration. The most popular drugs are:
- Magnesium Phosphate Relieves Pain.
- “Veratrumalbum” and “Iris Verzicolor”, which eliminate the discomfort localized behind the sternum and heartburn.
- Potassium bichromicum, minimizing the release of hydrochloric acid.
- Argentumnitricum and belladonna, which help to cope with erosion in the esophagus and severe inflammation.
As mentioned earlier, it takes a long time to treat reflux esophagitis. How to accelerate tissue regeneration, improve local and general immunity? Multivitamins, micro and macro elements will help with this. Because a normal diet is not able to ensure their sufficient intake in the body.
Surgical intervention
So, the above was described in detail about how to treat reflux esophagitis. Reviews of people who have experienced this disease make it possible to verify that drug therapy is quite effective.
However, if the medications did not help or complications appear, surgery is required. Here are the cases in which surgical intervention is needed:
- The patient suffers from a chronic, constantly recurring reflux esophagitis.
- A person is diagnosed with an advanced stage of the disease.
- The patient has a hernia of the diaphragm.
Surgery is not recommended for patients over 35, as well as those who have chronic or infectious serious diseases. In any case, a repeated detailed diagnosis is performed before the appointment of the intervention. Also, a person should be examined by a surgeon and a nutritionist.
According to doctors, surgery is the most effective way to eliminate reflux esophagitis. How much to treat pathology with medicines? A month, not less, and in some cases about a year. The operation helps to fix the problem quickly. And here are some more advantages of the intervention:
- Through surgery, you can eliminate the cause of the pathology.
- More than 85% of patients are satisfied with their dynamics.
- After the operation, many do not need to take medications.
- It is not required to be constantly monitored by a doctor.
However, it is the doctor who decides how to treat catarrhal reflux esophagitis or another type. Some do not need surgery.
It should also be noted that repeated pathologies rarely develop. In about 3% of cases. But even those patients with whom everything went well should periodically undergo examinations for two years.
Each patient must be aware of the possible consequences. They are rare but possible. Among them:
- Infection of the sphincter of the esophagus and its soft tissues.
- Blood loss. It happens if the doctor did not conduct a coagulation test.
- Problems with swallowing reflex.
- Lack of opportunity to burp.
- Abnormal patient response to anesthesia.
- Damage to internal organs due to the inexperience of the doctor.
Repeated intervention may be necessary if reflux esophagitis returns. This is usually facilitated by any type of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, being overweight, an unhealthy lifestyle, and nicotine abuse.
How to treat reflux esophagitis folk remedies?
Reviews of real people who have encountered this disease make it possible to verify that it can be eliminated not only with drugs. Alternative medicine is also effective.
Well eliminate pain and inflammation decoctions of herbs. They also normalize the acidity of gastric juice. It is best to use flaxseed, licorice, lemon balm and motherwort. They are allowed to be combined. A recipe for making a decoction is simple:
- Grind the components to powder.
- Take 3-4 tbsp. l the resulting composition and pour 1 liter of boiling water.
- Evaporate the mass for 10 minutes.
- Strain.
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, , , , . , 2-3 . l ( 500 ). 10 . :
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- On the remaining days, gradually increase the dosage. Need to get to 2 tbsp. l infusion.
The course of treatment with this tool is 60 days.
Plantain juice is also considered useful. Everyone knows how powerful the healing effect of this plant is. But for people with too high acidity, it is prohibited. And making juice is easy. Washed leaves just need to grind in a blender, and then squeeze through cheesecloth. If this machine is not available, a meat grinder is also suitable. Juice should be drunk 1 tbsp. l maximum 4 times a day (required with meals).
A chamomile decoction with flax seeds also helps. It has a healing, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Chamomile and seeds should be mixed in equal proportions, and then take 2-3 tbsp. l and pour 500 ml of water. Cook for half an hour, then strain and cool. Drink this volume during the day in three equal tricks.
Well, how to treat reflux esophagitis with folk remedies is also clear. But they are also not recommended to be used without prior consultation with your doctor. The gastrointestinal tract is a very sensitive, susceptible mechanism. The idea of self-medication almost always ends in failure.