Is long-term GERD medication safe for a 33-year-old woman?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 33-year-old woman experiencing frequent heartburn and acid reflux, particularly at night. At times, I wake up coughing or with a sore throat. I have been diagnosed with GERD and would like to understand if long-term medication is necessary. Are there any risks associated with prolonged use of acid-reducing drugs?

Which foods should I strictly avoid? Can GERD lead to more serious conditions if left untreated? Also, how much of an impact can weight loss have on managing my symptoms? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I understand your concerns, and it is great that you are seeking clarity about GERD. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This occurs when the valve that normally prevents acid from moving upward is not functioning properly.

While occasional acid reflux is quite common, GERD is more persistent, typically occurring at least twice a week over several weeks. It affects approximately 20 % of adults and around 10 % of children.

To manage your symptoms effectively, I recommend consulting a gastroenterologist for a personalized treatment plan. In the meantime, here are some helpful strategies:

Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, oily, and fried foods, as well as black tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks.
Consider starting a proton pump inhibitor like Omeprazole 40 mg, taken twice daily about 30 minutes before meals (after discussing with your doctor).
Elevate your head while sleeping by using an extra pillow or raising the head of your bed to reduce nighttime symptoms.
Incorporate regular physical activity and work toward a healthy weight; weight loss can significantly improve GERD symptoms.

Managing GERD is very possible with the right approach and lifestyle changes.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.