Medicine for ulcers and acid reflux

Antacids can relieve acid symptoms for a short time. Other medicines reduce acid for longer and may allow an ulcer or inflamed food pipe to heal. An ulcer can have causes that need specific treatment, so repeated symptoms should not be managed indefinitely without review. Acid reflux may cause burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, cough or disturbed sleep; Hiatus Hernia and Obesity can contribute to reflux in some people.

Chest Tightness and Abdominal Pain have many possible causes. Reflux is not the only explanation, and symptom medicines should not delay assessment when symptoms are new, severe or unusual.

Use a prescribed medicine exactly as directed and ask a pharmacist before combining products. Take note of whether symptoms follow large meals, lying down or particular foods. Smaller meals, staying upright after eating and raising the head of the bed may help some people. Avoid smoking and limit foods or drinks that clearly trigger symptoms. Do not stop a long-term prescription suddenly without advice, because symptoms may return.

Get urgent help for chest pressure or tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Arrange prompt assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss or severe Abdominal Pain. Contact a clinician if treatment is not controlling symptoms, because an ulcer or another condition may need investigation.

Ask which acid treatment fits your symptoms, how long to use it, whether another medicine is contributing, and whether testing is needed for an ulcer or persistent reflux.