GERD Articles A-Z
H2 blockers are used to treat conditions such as gastric ulcers, peptic ulcers, and erosive esophagitis. This eMedTV segment provides an overview of H2 blockers and their uses, dosing information, possible side effects, and more.
As this eMedTV page explains, the manufacturers of H2 blockers generally suggest that a nursing woman who has been prescribed an H2 blocker either stop breastfeeding or stop the medicine. This page explores H2 blockers and breastfeeding in detail.
H2 blockers are generally considered safe to take during pregnancy. This eMedTV segment offers more information on H2 blockers and pregnancy, including information on why the FDA classifies H2 blockers as pregnancy Category B medications.
| How Does My Stomach Work? |
This multimedia clip describes how the stomach works.
Even though they spit up and vomit, most babies with infant GERD are healthy and happy. This eMedTV segment examines gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and also describes feeding and sleeping modifications that can help reduce symptoms.
This eMedTV resource explains how a doctor makes an infant GERD diagnosis. The process begins with questions about the infant's feeding history and current symptoms, then goes on to a physical exam and possibly testing.
As this eMedTV article explains, spitting up, vomiting, and coughing are common in infants. However, some potential infant GERD symptoms (like projectile vomiting) are more serious and could be caused by another condition.
Options for infant GERD treatment include making changes in how a baby is fed, medications, or surgery. This eMedTV Web page takes a closer look at these treatments and explains how treatment is not always necessary for the condition in infants.
Certain forms of Zantac can be given to infants as young as one month old. This eMedTV article discusses these forms of "infant Zantac," which include Zantac EFFERdose tablets and Zantac syrup.
Is Artichoke Leaf Extract Safe?
More research is needed to determine whether artichoke leaf extract is safe. This eMedTV Web article takes an in-depth look at possible artichoke leaf extract safety concerns, including information on who should avoid using this supplement.
Curcumin is claimed to be beneficial for treating several health conditions, but is curcumin safe to use? This eMedTV segment addresses this question and takes an in-depth look at some of the important safety precautions and warnings with curcumin.
Licorice may increase the risk of congestive heart failure and can make certain health conditions worse. This eMedTV resource describes other important licorice safety concerns and explains what to discuss with your doctor before consuming it.
Is Prevacid Safe During Pregnancy?
Is Prevacid safe during pregnancy? As explained in this section of the eMedTV Web site, there have been no studies of Prevacid and pregnancy in humans; however, studies on animals showed that Prevacid did not cause side effects in the fetus.
This eMedTV Web page addresses the question, "Is turmeric safe?" This article outlines several turmeric safety concerns that you should discuss with your doctor before using this herbal supplement. This page also explains who should not use turmeric.
Licorice may have several health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and treating ulcers. This eMedTV Web page describes other uses of licorice and provides information on the possible side effects and safety precautions associated with it.
It may not be safe for women who are breastfeeding to consume real licorice. This selection from the eMedTV Web site further discusses potential problems that could occur when consuming real licorice and breastfeeding at the same time.
It may not be safe for pregnant women to take real licorice products. This eMedTV page explains the potential complications, such as preterm labor or effects on estrogen levels, that could happen if you are taking licorice and pregnancy occurs.
As this eMedTV page explains, there is no established licorice dosage that is considered to be safe or effective. This page also covers the possible risks of using licorice medicinally and offers some tips on finding a reputable manufacturer.
Taking licorice with certain drugs, such as blood pressure medicines or digoxin, can cause serious problems. This eMedTV Web site lists the medicines that may cause licorice drug interactions and describes the problems these interactions can cause.
You should seek immediate medical care if you believe you have overdosed on licorice. This eMedTV article explains how a licorice overdose may cause dangerous symptoms, such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or muscle damage.
Licorice root is thought to help treat ulcers, bronchitis, and hepatitis C. This eMedTV Web segment looks at the herbal supplement, including whether it works, if it is safe, dosing instructions, and side effects.
It is important to know that real licorice can cause serious side effects. This eMedTV Web page outlines several licorice side effects to watch out for and explains the difference between real licorice and products that contain licorice flavoring.
| Lifestyle Changes (GERD Treatment) |
Lifestyle changes may help alleviate your GERD symptoms, as this media clip explains.
Diet and lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery are the main treatment options for managing GERD. This eMedTV resource provides a link to the full eMedTV article with more information on the topic.
If your acid reflux symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe medication for GERD. This page of the eMedTV library discusses prescription and over-the-counter medications used in treating this condition and explains how they work.
Antacids, proton-pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers are a few options when it comes to treating GERD. This eMedTV article lists the 5 categories of meds for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and provides a link to more information.
Nexium is a medication used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This eMedTV article discusses other uses of Nexium, explains how the drug reduces acid in the stomach, and describes some of its common side effects.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, Nexium dosing for adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often involves taking 20 mg daily for 4 to 8 weeks. This article also identifies the usual dose of Nexium used to treat other conditions.
For people taking Nexium, drug interactions may occur with medications such as warfarin and diazepam. This eMedTV segment discusses these and other potential drug interactions with Nexium, which may involve drugs such as digoxin.
Headaches are a reported side effect of Nexium. This eMedTV resource takes a look at how often headaches occur in people taking Nexium and explains some suggestions your healthcare provider might recommend if you are experiencing Nexium headaches.
Symptoms of a Nexium overdose may include an increased heart rate, confusion, blurred vision, and nausea. This eMedTV resource discusses these and other possible effects of overdosing on Nexium, and explains how such an overdose is treated.
Nexium Precautions and Warnings
In the case of Nexium, precautions and warnings include such things as avoiding breastfeeding. This eMedTV Web page discusses other precautions and warnings for Nexium users, such as limiting the dosage in people with severe liver disease.