Brief Answer:
Diet changes and over the counter meds should help

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic.

I'm glad you are working with your Dad to improve his overall health. I see that he has not been suffering from the other age related issues that people in their 60's tend to get, that means to me that he probably lives a healthy lifestyle to begin with, but i want to go over a few basic lifestyle issues related to Acid Peptic Disorder (APD) which is the term we commonly use to refer to this issue.

The stomach makes the acid that helps in cleansing and digesting the food that we eat. Some foods have a tendency to increase acid production.. namely anything very high in Oil, fat or very high in protein. So a balanced diet with low levels of oil and fat will help. Also, making sure that he eats a good amount of fiber in his diet will lower acid production. Foods that are high in caffeine including coffee and soda are not a good idea either.

Now, lifestyle modification does not always work. Sometimes a person needs to take some form of medication to help control their APD. The commonly used medications are available over the counter nowadays. A class of medications called Proton Pump Inhibitors is the overall favorite in this regard. Omeprazole is a very well accepted member of this family and it has little in the way of side effects. Taking just 20mg once before bed should start to control the issue. I would suggest that as a trial, he can take it for about a week (once daily before bed). If he is feeling better, it can be continued for many many months.

If it doesn't help, then he will need some specialist help. A Gastroenterologist is the expert to see in that instance. They will probably want to get some blood work done and do an endoscopy to check for anything that may be worsening the situation (there are some VERY rare tumors of the stomach that can cause severe acidity). I don't want you to worry though, for the vast majority of people, the Omez works very well.

I hope this helps, Let me know how else I can help and I will be happy to do so,

Vinay

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Brief Answer:
APD is not very worrisome, regular blood work help

Detailed Answer:
Hey XXXXXXX i understand your worry. Now the APD is not a precursor of anything bad. I wouldn't worry on the strength of those symptoms alone. If you want o make sure that you don't miss anything though. A regular health checkup for your dad would be advisable. Routine blood work, a physical exam, a chest x-ray etc will provide adequate screening that will put his mind and yours at ease.

Make sense?


Vin

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Brief Answer:
Always Happy to help

Detailed Answer:
Take Care, my regards to your Father.

Vin

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