Acid Reflux

[robofluff]

I have had some acid reflux over the years and its been gradually getting worse so much so that I have seen my GP who gave me ranitidine to try.

I discussed this with a friend and she said my problem could be lack of acid rather than too much acid. I searched on google and the symptoms for both seem the same. I am now worried I will make myself ill with the ranitidine if I have low acid.

I wish I did not look at google!

[jd_1984]

Don't look at Google!!!
My suggestion, compile a food diary for a couple months.
Go back to GP and discuss further, keep up with ranitidine.
Not sure how it differs to Lansoprazole which I took after being diagnosed with H Pylori bacteria, it certainly did the job for my reflux.

[Sqad]

Generally speaking.......in acid problems in the stomach..........95% are due to too much acid and 5% to too little acid ( figures may not be accurate, but you get the picture)

Now, the 5% or less of too little acid (hypochlorhydria) is almost entirely secondary to other diseases in the stomach.

Don't Google.

Do as your GP has suggested,,,,,,,,Ranitidine is the correct treatment.

[johnny37]

This question is a regular. I only wish to say i used to get the most painful heartburn every day. a large does of bicarbcarb worked. Unconnected with this i was diagnosed with coeliac disease due to other digestive probs. I went on a gluten free diet and the heartburn disappeared almost immediately.

[robofluff]

That is a really good idea jd as I cannot seem to pinpoint what brings on the reflux.

you have put my mind at rest sqad, I had never heard of too little acid but good to see its rare

I have never heard of taking bicarb for acid reflux. I dont seem to have a problem with grains. I know spicy food and onions cause me trouble

[Greedyfly]

I have suffered with acid reflux terribly for a couple of years now, mine need surgical intervention but that is the very last resort.

Try the Ranitidine and see how it pans out, there are various over the counter and prescribed drugs for reflux so if this doesn't work out then there are other options.

Diet changes make a big difference.

[Postdog]

I wish I didn't look at Google, lol...

...like answerbank is ok then.

[dekkypoo]

Not trying to worry you Robo but when I was a nipper I used to get acid reflux on a major scale, it would keep me awake half the night.
I've just been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer apparently A.R is a major contributor to A.R. If you find that swallowing large? lumps becomes difficult get it checked !!!

[dunnitall]

I can assure you that I know personally with this problem it can be totally due to gluten and wheat. A friend of mine has suffered acid reflux for years and despite tablets nothing stopped it, I suggested she eliminate all wheat and gluten from her diet and the acid reflux stopped within a day, after years of the problem. I know of others who have experienced the same and been so pleased to discover the reason for their suffering. Just try changing your diet, eat gluten and wheat free and see if that does the trick...not a lot to lose if it doesn't help but if it does...you lose the acid reflux. Good luck.

[sunnyflower]

Are you more likely to believe in what google says or your doctor who knows your health history and is aware about your symptoms?

If doubt, consult another doctor.