Millions of people are suffering from indigestion and acid reflux all over the world. In fact, it is referred to as one of the most common condition of today’s patient. Experts think the occurrence of acid reflux is on the rise due to several reasons. The diet of an average person primarily the reason why people suffer from genetic indigestion, as most of the doctors agreed upon.As soon as the patient is diagnosed to have acid reflux, medication is started immediately. Most of these patients begin treating their indigestion or acid reflux with one of the many over the counter treatments available. There are both over the counter treatments for indigestion and acid reflux. In fact some of the most popular prescription drugs are now being offered over the counter, which thrill many patients. Most of these over the counter treatments are more expensive than if they were with a prescription plan co-payment.
Certainly, consumption of these over the counter drugs does not guarantee that indigestion and acid reflux will be cured. When over the counter medication stops working, and it often will for patients who use quite a bit each week, sufferers typically seek help from their doctor. The first thing a doctor will likely do is prescribe a stronger medication that is available via prescription. Doctors often give the patient about two months on this treatment and schedule a follow up appointment to check their status and if they are feeling relief. Often times if the patient is not improving, they will double the dosage or prescribe something different.
When further prescription treatment doesn’t work, many doctors will start talking to their patients about seeing a specialist and scheduling a consultation for surgery. Surgery is usually the last option. Doctors agree that surgery for acid reflux is often seen as unnecessary, unless there are structural problems with the stomach or the esophagus. Many times there are scans done to see if there are any structural problems.
The risk in undergoing surgery to treat acid reflux and indigestion is that the recovery can be difficult and the results are not always consistent. Many people will feel complete relief and others won’t. In addition, it is often possible for the problem to reoccur, even after surgery and more surgery may be necessary.
Undeniably, recovering can be difficult because for the first few weeks after surgery the patient will not be able to eat much solid food. It can be difficult to even swallow something such as water or pudding. Therefore, the patient will tend to stay weak and will likely lose quite a bit of weight. It is important for the patient to stay hydrated and many surgeons will suggest meal replacement drinks for those having trouble eating. In addition, the patients will need to start eating small bites when they do eat solid foods. It is almost as if they need to re-learn to swallow, which can be frustrating.
However, when the surgery is the only option left, the patients with severe acid reflux and indigestion will do almost anything to have the chance to feel better, even for a little while. So, if you have tried every pill on the market, you may want to talk with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for surgery.
However, when the surgery is the only option left, the patients with severe acid reflux and indigestion will do almost anything to have the chance to feel better, even for a little while. So, if you have tried every pill on the market, you may want to talk with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for surgery.
