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Over The Last Couple Years I Have Had Bad Heartburn/acid
Question: Over the last couple years i have had bad heartburn/acid reflex. i take medication frequently but it doesnt always work. As of recent (lat 2 days) i have noticed my xiphoid process has been in pain. whats the cause of this and how should i address it?
Brief Answer:
Our esophagus is not designed to tolerate acid like stomach walls.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing the 'Ask A Doctor' service for your query,
Acid Reflux Disease is a form of the digestive disorder, which affects the lower oesophageal sphincters or the muscle ring present between the stomach and the food pipe. It incorporates the return of the contents of the stomach back to the esophagus. Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is the primary symptom of GERD.
The burning pain behind the xiphoid process is because of that only. The mucosa of the esophagus is not designed naturally to tolerate acid reflux hence acid cause it to inflame and hence causing pain and heartburn.
Test suggested-
Endoscopy to examine the inner part of the esophagus.
An oesophageal impedance test to measure substance movement inside the esophagus.
I would suggest you not to worry too much.
Take a proton pump inhibitor like Esomeprazole 40mg twice daily along with a prokinetic drug (eg.Domperidone) for 21 days(prescription drug). This will provide you symptomatic relief from symptoms.
Antacid like Pepto Bismol can be taken for a few days along with it.
Apart from this, some dietary restrictions are to be followed-
- Avoid alcohol or smoking, if at all do.
- No aerated beverages.
- Take light non-spicy easily digestible food for a few days.
- No Fast food like pizza or burger should be taken.
- Drink a cup of cold milk daily.
- Avoid fatty foods.
Hope I was helpful
Follow-ups are welcome
Do also follow up with reports of endoscopy.
Thanks.
Our esophagus is not designed to tolerate acid like stomach walls.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing the 'Ask A Doctor' service for your query,
Acid Reflux Disease is a form of the digestive disorder, which affects the lower oesophageal sphincters or the muscle ring present between the stomach and the food pipe. It incorporates the return of the contents of the stomach back to the esophagus. Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is the primary symptom of GERD.
The burning pain behind the xiphoid process is because of that only. The mucosa of the esophagus is not designed naturally to tolerate acid reflux hence acid cause it to inflame and hence causing pain and heartburn.
Test suggested-
Endoscopy to examine the inner part of the esophagus.
An oesophageal impedance test to measure substance movement inside the esophagus.
I would suggest you not to worry too much.
Take a proton pump inhibitor like Esomeprazole 40mg twice daily along with a prokinetic drug (eg.Domperidone) for 21 days(prescription drug). This will provide you symptomatic relief from symptoms.
Antacid like Pepto Bismol can be taken for a few days along with it.
Apart from this, some dietary restrictions are to be followed-
- Avoid alcohol or smoking, if at all do.
- No aerated beverages.
- Take light non-spicy easily digestible food for a few days.
- No Fast food like pizza or burger should be taken.
- Drink a cup of cold milk daily.
- Avoid fatty foods.
Hope I was helpful
Follow-ups are welcome
Do also follow up with reports of endoscopy.
Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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