Introduction
Experience acid-related discomfort in your life? These include heartburn, indigestion and stomach ache. Irregular eating, spicy foods, stress, lack of exercise and other unhealthy habits all take their toll on the digestive system. When they‘re searching for instant relief many people use antacids, basic medicines obtained from the shelves which reduce stomach acid to neutralise the excess. So what are antacids and how do they work?
What Is An Antaids?
Antacids These are drugs which are used for reducing the amount of excess acid in the stomach. They require no prescription and come in preparations containing liquids, powders and chewable tablets. They have a fast relief time than longer term drugs like the proton pump inhibitors, so are the first drugs used for the occasional burning after eating.
Common Acid-Related Problems
Acid related problems can present in various ways depending on the cause and severity of each. The most common presentations are acidity, heartburn and indigestion. Heartburn for example is usually experienced as a burning sensation in the chest; indigestion may be associated with bloating, feeling of fullness and nausea. Regular symptoms may be evidence of conditions such as Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, which need to be managed with more attention.
How Antacids Work
An antacid is a medicine that neutralizes hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach. Antacids contain ingredients such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. When the original compounds react with the acid it reduces the acidity of the acid and effectively relieves the pain caused by the irritation of the lining of the stomach and oesophagus. It usually takes a matter of minutes for this treatment to occur.
Types of Antacids
Antacids can be of many forms and each has its own merits. The quickest is the liquid type as it covers the lining of the stomach uniformly. Chewable tablets are convenient to carry around and deal well with mild acidity. Effervescent powders will rapidly dissolve in water and can prove handy during an abrupt bout of acidity. They all have their own merits and are suited to different needs.
When to Use Antacids
Antacids should only be used for intermittent symptoms such as post prandial (after meals) acidity, mild heartburn or indigestion. They are useful after a large or spicy meal but if you are regularly using antacids then it is a sign that you may have a more serious underlying problem that your doctor will want to investigate and treat. They may prescribe more powerful long term medicines such as Omeprazole.
Benefits of Antacids
The rapid onset of antacids is another benefit. Relief can be almost immediate, unlike with other drugs that take some time to work. They are also over the counter and relatively safe when used properly. For those with occasional pain, they are an easy and practical solution.
Possible Side Effects
Despite being safe, antacids can cause side-effects if overused. For instance, aluminium-based antacids cause constipation, and magnesium cause diarrhea. It can also upset the balance of minerals. It is advised that you use the recommended doses and not to use long-term without consulting a doctor.
Antacids vs Other Acid-Reducing Medicines
Antacids are different to other medication use to treat acid related problems. For example Famotidine, which blocks acid production, has longer lasting action, and Omeprazole which is a more effective inhibitor of acid production and is used long term. Antacids are used for immediate relief.
Safety Tips for Using Antacids
In order to use antacids safely, always use them according to the instructions on the label. Avoid taking them over use and long term use unless recommended by the doctor. Don‘t take them too close to other medicines because they effect the absorption of other medicines. If you have kidney problems or are on a special diet, ask the doctor before taking certain types of antacids.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Treatment
Antacids may be effective in the short term, but patients should be encouraged to modify their lifestyle. Advising patients to have smaller meals, avoid known culprits and lose excess weight can have a marked effect. Reducing caffeine intake, not smoking and managing stress are also helpful in controlling acidity.
When to Seek Medical Help
A little acidity every now and then is normal but do not let the trouble remain in your body too long. See a doctor if you suffer from frequent heartburn, chest pains or if the heartburn persists longer than a week. It could be indicative of Peptic Ulcer Disease or chronic reflux.
Conclusion
Antacids are the ideal, easily accessible, safe and effective way of dealing with acidity, heartburn and indigestion when used responsibly. They can bring rapid relief from your symptoms and work well when the occasional attack hits, but should be used sensibly and not relied on for the long term. When used with the correct, sensible eating and lifestyle measures, you will keep your acid problems to a minimum for the future.