GERD: treatment with medicines and folk remedies

The article will discuss the current treatment of GERD. What is this pathology? How to get rid of it?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a pathological condition in which what is contained in the stomach is thrown into the lumen of the esophagus. This ailment can often develop against the background of cardia insufficiency. This kind of disease can manifest itself at any age, regardless of the gender of the person. In order to cure this pathology, not only traditional medicine methods are used, but also folk remedies.

Treatment of GERD with the help of folk remedies is considered today no less effective than therapy involving the use of synthetic medications. But, of course, the only condition immediately before the use of one or another alternative medicine or pharmaceutical product is a mandatory consultation with your doctor. Next, we will talk about how treatment of GERD is carried out, and also consider methods of folk and drug therapy.

Symptoms of pathology

The main symptoms of this disease are heartburn with belching, which appear at least twice a week for four to eight weeks or longer. Patients may also complain of a feeling of some kind of compression in the epigastric region, which occurs fifteen to forty minutes after eating. This sensation, as a rule, can be provoked by the use of products that stimulate the synthesis of hydrochloric acid by the stomach. These include the following foods: fried and spicy dishes along with juices, alcohol, dry red wine, carbonated drinks, such as Coca-Cola, fanta and so on. In addition to them, the provocateurs are: coffee with chocolate, cocoa, radish and butter in excessive quantities.

Often, patients with reflux disease may complain of pain behind the sternum, which is then given to the neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm, and also under the left shoulder blade. In the event that there is pain in the region of the left shoulder blade, then differential diagnosis with angina pectoris should be performed.

Symptoms and treatment of GERD are often interrelated. Directly with gastroesophageal reflux disease, chest pain is associated with the following factors:

• Excessive eating, mainly overeating.
• Low head position during rest and sleep.

These or other complaints, as a rule, are provoked by physical exertion associated with frequent torso, and in addition, with the fact that the stomach is full of liquid, sweet or fatty foods and alcohol. Unpleasant symptoms may worsen at night. The ingress of contents from the esophagus into the region of the lumen of the bronchi can lead to bronchial spasms and Mendelssohn’s syndrome. In this case, it should be noted that for the onset of a fatal case it will be enough if about four milliliters of gastric juice gets into the bronchial tree.

How is reflux disease treated?

Drug treatment of GERD is divided into two stages: initial (initial) and secondary.

In the first phase, overhead pump inhibitors are prescribed, for example, substances such as lamprazole or pantoprazole. Preparations based on these components are prescribed for the healing of erosive esophagitis. They also help to completely overcome clinical manifestations. Initial therapy should last four weeks. Next, patients are transferred to a dose that supports remission over the next month. With the erosive form of the disease, the duration of initial therapy should be from four to twelve weeks, followed by the use of one of the long-term treatment regimens. As part of the generally accepted antisecretory drug therapy strategy, dual doses of inhibitors are initially prescribed for two months, followed by a transition to long-term treatment.

Treatment of GERD (second phase) is supposed to be long, the goal of which is to achieve remission. The treatment is carried out in three versions. Firstly, long-term daily use of inhibitors is prescribed. Secondly, full-dose inhibitor therapy is carried out with a short three-day course in case of worsening symptoms. Thirdly, they conduct “weekend” therapy, within the framework of which the use of inhibitors in an anti-relapse dosage is prescribed.

In the case of observing the ineffectiveness of initial therapy for two weeks, esophagoscopy with pH monitoring should be performed. In the event that monitoring indicates nighttime breakthroughs in acidity, then the patient will be prescribed Famotidine or Ranitidine in addition to the doubled dose of inhibitors. In situations where reflux is biliary, patients are indicated for the appointment of ursodeoxycholic acid. To achieve resistance of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, a decoction of flax seeds is recommended, as well as drugs for the treatment of GERD, such as Maalox, Fosfalugel and Gestal.

At the same time, Maalox is considered the most effective. Prokinetics in the form of “Cisapride” or “Cerucal” are also prescribed to such patients, which increase the tone of the esophageal closure and reduce the severity of gastroesophageal reflux. These medicines, among other things, reduce acidification of the esophagus. A positive result is achieved through the use of sea buckthorn and rosehip oils. The dose is selected individually: from one teaspoon to three times a day. Consider the main methods of treatment of GERD.

Endoscopic and surgical treatment

Endoscopic, and in addition, surgical treatment of GERD is recommended for patients in the following cases:

• The need for the body to provide long-term medication.
• Insufficient effect of drug treatment.
• Diaphragmatic hernia of a large volume of reflux.
• Complications in the form of bleeding, stricture and development of Barrett's esophagus, and in addition, the presence of esophageal cancer.
• Personal desire of the patient.

But before this, medication is most often treated with GERD. We will consider the most effective folk remedies below.

The criteria for the effectiveness of therapy in this case are the following goals:

• Achieving healing of erosive lesions of the esophagus.
• Getting rid of heartburn.
• Improving the overall quality of life.

The relapse rate during the first twelve months after successful completion of therapy is usually from forty to sixty-five percent for an erosive type of pathology.

The treatment regimen for GERD is selected individually by the doctor.

What diseases can this pathology be associated with?

The nature of gastroesophageal reflux disease is explained by the fact that the motility of the stomach and esophagus is impaired. This disease develops with a reduced antireflux barrier, a decreased tonus of the esophageal closure and clearance. Symptoms of this disease are at increased risk for patients who suffer from impaired digestive hormone production, and in addition, pancreatic enzymes, which occurs due to a decrease in the resistance of the esophagus epithelium. It is also important to reduce the production of saliva along with a violation of the cholinergic innervations of the esophagus. GERD often develops in patients who are carriers of Helicobacter pylori. For such patients, there is a higher risk of stomach ulcers.

What else is included in the effective treatment of GERD?

Therapy from the comfort of home

The most important condition for the treatment of this pathology is a change in your usual lifestyle, which involves the following measures:

• Complete rejection of such bad habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
• It is extremely important to reduce excess body weight and lose weight.
• It is recommended to avoid a horizontal position immediately after eating. Thus, in no case should you go to bed after eating.
• You should refuse to wear corsets, and in addition, various bandages and in general everything that can increase intra-abdominal pressure in the body.

Treatment of GERD with esophagitis should be comprehensive. It is equally important that a person can change the regime, as well as the nature of his diet:

• It is required to completely eliminate overeating.
• Do not eat at night.
• It is important to try to minimize foods that are rich in fats in your diet, such as milk, goose, ducklings, pork, lamb, coffee and Coca-Cola. You should also not lean on citrus fruits, tomatoes, garlic, and in addition, dry red wines.

Clinical monitoring is required for patients who suffer from prolonged heartburn of ten years or more. Also, patients with an erosive form of pathology and Barrett's esophagus must be observed. In cases of development of Barrett's esophagus, patients should be prescribed inhibitors in a double dose for at least three months, followed by a decrease in the amount of the drug to a standard norm. As for endoscopic control with biopsy, it must be carried out annually. In the presence of a high degree of dysplasia, an endoscopic examination with multiple biopsy from the affected areas of the mucosa is required. Patients with Barrett's syndrome and dysplasia are recommended endoscopic mucosal resection or surgical esophagotomy.

Reviews of the treatment of GERD are abundant.

What drugs are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease today?

To date, the following drugs are prescribed by specialists to treat this pathology:

• The medicine "Pantoprazole" is prescribed 20 milligrams twice a day or 40 times a day at night. The therapeutic course for this is a month. The maintenance dose is 20 milligrams at night for the next month.
• The drug "Famotidine" is also prescribed 20 milligrams twice a day: first before breakfast, and then before dinner.
• The medicine "Ranitidine" is taken at 150 milligrams twice a day. The most effective treatments for GERD are sold at any pharmacy.
• The pharmaceutical agent Sucralfat is taken at 500 milligrams one and a half hours after eating up to four times a day.
• The drug "Maalox" is used in two packets up to three times a day.
• Means "Metoclopramide" is taken at 20 milligrams three times a day.

Next, let's talk about folk methods.

GERD and traditional medicine

It is important to understand that traditional medicine will not help eliminate the root cause of the disease, which lies in the weakness of the cardiac sphincter. Alternative methods only help reduce the intensity of symptoms. Among the people today, there are many tools that help normalize the condition of patients with GERD. We are talking about the use of special decoctions made from herbs with the addition of, for example, honey. In addition, you can turn to drinking mineral water or tinctures. It is important to emphasize that before using any folk remedy, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

What else involves the treatment of GERD folk remedies?

The use of potato juice

In this case, starch, which is found in potatoes, in which there is a lot of it, has a special healing property. Starch can completely envelop the esophagus, thereby becoming a protection against the negative effects of hydrochloric acid. Of course, the disease will not go away from the use of this remedy, but it will be possible to get rid of the feeling of heartburn for a long time.

Using tincture of chaga mushroom

This mushroom grows on birches. It is widely used for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system. The mushroom must first be chopped and brewed with boiling water. The mixture is further infused for one hour. The medicine is used several times a day. It perfectly helps to eliminate the symptoms of this unpleasant disease. The mushroom has the following beneficial properties:

• The product contains many useful trace elements that have a stimulating effect on the immune system. In addition, they contribute to the binding of hydrochloric acid, which is secreted by the stomach.
• The composition of the fungus includes anti-inflammatory substances, they perfectly cope with inflammation in the esophagus, which are provoked by the aggressive effect of hydrochloric acid.

The disadvantages of using this tool are as follows:

• The appearance of allergic reactions in the presence of individual intolerance.
• This mushroom is toxic, therefore, it should be used strictly according to the prescription.

Plants and herbs

For the effective treatment of GERD with folk remedies, herbs with various plants are widely used. The most effective are the well-known chamomile with nettle dioecious, St. John's wort, sea buckthorn and lemon balm. But it is very important to be able to brew them so that they have a therapeutic effect. The most effective means is a decoction made from chamomile with St. John's wort and lemon balm. All these herbs should be taken in equal parts and boiled with boiling water, and then let it brew a little. It is necessary to use a decoction in the form of tea. In order to enhance the beneficial properties, it is recommended to add a little honey. The resulting drink is characterized by anti-inflammatory, soothing and wound healing effects.

Nettle also has an anti-inflammatory effect, in this regard, it can be brewed or added to different dishes, for example, soups. Sea buckthorn oil is famous for its healing effect, but it is allowed to use it in small quantities. It is important to note that only funds that are prepared on a water basis are allowed to use for the treatment of this pathology. The use of alcohol tinctures is strictly prohibited due to the fact that ethyl alcohol can be irritating to the mucous membrane of an already affected esophagus.

In the alternative treatment of GERD, aloe juice is often used.

Using Aloe Juice

Aloe juice is considered a unique remedy, which is rich in a lot of healing properties. This tool is actively used to treat many diseases that occur in the digestive system. To reduce the manifestation of symptoms of GERD, you need to mix the juice of this plant with honey, and then dilute with some water. The resulting medicine is taken throughout the day. It is important to note that drinking pure honey with GERD is not advisable. Thanks to aloe juice, the following beneficial effects can be achieved:

• There is an activation of immunity.
• The inflammation is removed.
• It has a wound healing effect.
• It has an enveloping effect.

Treatment of GERD during pregnancy

Treatment of such an ailment as gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnant women is carried out under the supervision of specialized specialists. In the event that against the background of pregnancy this disease manifested, then it is quite likely that it will be temporary, and the symptoms will be reduced to zero immediately after childbirth. At the initial stage of this pathology during pregnancy, doctors, as a rule, recommend a lifestyle change along with phytotherapy, and only in the presence of extremely uncomfortable symptoms is it appropriate to carry out drug treatment. Basically, the treatment of GERD in women in position is symptomatic and improves the quality of life along with the well-being of the expectant mother.

Treatment of GERD in children

The following methods are used to treat this pathology in children:

• non-drug therapy;
• drug therapy;
• surgical correction.

The younger age group is treated with the non-drug method using postural therapy (changing body position) and nutritional correction.

To reduce gastroesophageal reflux and reduce the risk of esophagitis, you need to breast-feed while sitting at an angle of 50-60 degrees. Overfeeding is unacceptable. After feeding, you must always hold the baby in an upright position. During sleep - a special elevated position of the body.

In order to correct nutrition, mixtures with an antireflux property are selected, which contribute to the thickening of food and a decrease in reflux.

Older children should:

• eat fractional meals often;
• increase protein in the diet, reduce fat;
• exclude fatty foods, fried foods, spicy foods;
• do not drink carbonated drinks;
• limit sweets;
• be upright after eating for at least half an hour;
• do not do sports after eating;
• eat no later than three hours before bedtime.

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• On the second degree of severity, erosion is observed, merging with each other, but at the same time they do not spread to a large area of ​​the esophagus mucosa.
• On the third degree of severity, erosive lesions occur, which occupy a third of the esophagus. In this case, erosion can merge and spread over the entire area of ​​the mucous membrane of the esophagus.
• On the fourth degree of severity, doctors observe erosive and ulcerative changes with complications. In this case, stricture of the esophagus with bleeding and mucosal metaplasia with the formation of Barrett's esophagus may be noted.

Experts are guided by the following diagnostic criteria in case of suspected GERD:

• The presence of typical clinical symptoms in the form of heartburn and acid burping.
• Testing with proton pump inhibitors. The study evaluates the effectiveness of a weekly course of using modern inhibitors.
• Perform endoscopic confirmation of esophagitis.
• The presence of positive results of 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring.

The following techniques are used to diagnose GERD symptoms and treatment in the future:

• Submission of a general blood test with its biochemical study.
• Testing for Helicobacter pylori.
• Taking a biopsy. Such an analysis is indicated if endoscopy suspects intestinal metaplasia. Also, this analysis is necessary for patients suffering from ulcerative lesions of the esophagus, stenosis, and in addition, with suspicions of non-reflux origin of esophagitis.

In conclusion, it should be said that today a disease such as GERD is a very common occurrence. Its treatment may be effective if targeted therapy is carried out using modern drugs. As for folk methods, they also have the right to use in this case and are applicable as an additional stimulating treatment.

Reviews of the treatment of GERD and the most effective methods are presented below.

Reviews

Reviews about the treatment of this pathology are mostly positive. She responds well to therapy. Especially if you apply an integrated approach. Very effective diet. If you also adhere to the correct position of the body after eating, then you can get rid of the disease in a short time.

We examined how GERD is treated with medicines and folk remedies.