Am I taking right medication for GERD?

Hi.

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From going through the information you have provided, it is clear that currently you are on treatment for suspected GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux disease). You have been having intermittent problems for over five years.

Acid reflux can cause breathlessness and waking up from sleep at night. Some might feel and describe heartburn, but others may not actually feel the burning sensation. The symptoms can be worsened by stress, anxiety ,and panic attacks.

My recommendations are that an endoscopy procedure called gastroscopy will help to check for any weakness in the valve at the lower end of the food pipe (gullet or esophagus) and to directly visualize any evidence of inflammation there which is reflux esophagitis.

Following the above test, you may require a 24-hour pH monitoring study and a manometry test to confirm that acid is refluxing back whenever you have symptoms and that there is no problem with the motility of the gullet.

I agree with you that I would not continue on Perinorm CD (Metoclopramide). I tend to give it only for nausea or vomiting.

• Nexpro (Esomeprazole) 40 mg is best taken once daily on an empty stomach in the morning. If despite these symptoms persist, it can be taken twice daily before food, that is, before breakfast and the other before dinner at night.
• You can take Topcid (Famotidine) 40 mg at bedtime to prevent symptoms at night.
• Eat smaller and frequent meals. Try to eat more slowly, try to spend at least 30 minutes per meal, and avoid eating on the run.
• Avoid large, high-fat meals. Avoid late evening snacks or eating before bed. Avoid lying flat after eating; try sitting up for at least two hours after finishing a meal and sleeping on your left side.
• Try light walking for 15 to 30 minutes following a meal. Try chewing non-mint type chewing gum for 30 minutes following a meal.
• Raise the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows may only elevate your head. Try putting pillows under the mattress near the head of the bed or use a special wedge.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes around the abdomen. I wish you a speedy recovery.
• Some people with GERD may find that eliminating certain foods helps to improve their symptoms. For example, avoiding spicy foods, raw onion, garlic, black pepper, citrus products and juices of orange, grapefruit or cranberry, tomato products, chocolate or brownies, caffeine, sodas, coffee, tea, etc., peppermint, fatty or greasy foods.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

• Medicines used to control acid called proton pump inhibitors are quite useful for this purpose.

• They are also relatively safe, but as like any other medications, should be used under the guidance of the doctor as needed for the prescribed time.

• Long-term use of any medication may have undesirable side effects and should only be done if there is a need for the drug.