Gastric reflux advice

[Vicky4]

Hya my dad has ipf and really struggling with gastric reflux at the moment and eating very little because of this he is on pepper mint capsules prescribed by this gp was just wondering if anyone has had this with the same condition and if there’s any food advice on anything that may have worked for them

[Hidden]

I have had horrendus time with reflux bloating ALL caused by fungus infection.

I would ask he’s doctor to check and prescribe something.

Am guessing if suffering ipf be on heavy duty steroids AND fungus infection and steroids go hand in hand.

I only found out when I sufferd form of respiratory distress.

[stone-UK]

Hi

Worth a read.

earthclinic.com/remedies/in...

Interesting post on subject.

healthunlocked.com/blf/post....

[mrsmummy]

Many here use proton pump inhibitors (such as Omeprozole or Lansoprazole) and also use Gaviscon Advance, both can be prescribed by your father's GP if he thinks they would help. Raising the head of his bed by about 6" helps too. Check out the links provided by stone-UK . It is important to get it treated as soon as possible because it can cause further damage. Also, try to help him to avoid spicy or high fat food (such as pastry).

[Hidden in reply to mrsmummy]

I tried proton pumps even gavascon and they did nothing.

Was even worse when my doctor stoped my antibiotics.

Here is interesting video youtu.be/XQpLHgt7C1w(Not working as expected?)

Like others have said causes can be so vast varied so helps to have proactive doctors

[bigaitch666 in reply to mrsmummy]

Lansoprazole is the best thing for that condition been on em for years

[tamariki]

If it is caused by Candida Nystatin is a good treatment for it.

[kflatt]

Research shows that peppermint can help tame some digestive woes. However, it may worsen other digestive issues like heartburn.

When it comes to digestive pain higher up in the digestive tract, such as heartburn due to GERD, peppermint might not be such a good idea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint can actually relax the sphincter muscle which closes off the stomach from the esophagus. This can cause stomach acid to pour back into the esophagus and make heartburn or GERD worse.

If you have heartburn or GERD, it’s probably best to steer clear of mint-flavored products to avoid the irritation that can come along with it.

everydayhealth.com/digestiv...

[kflatt]

I was on Proton Pump Inhibitors. Here's what I used to actually get rid of it:

healthline.com/health/diges...

Slippery elm and acid reflux

What are the benefits of slippery elm?

Pros

The gel can coat and soothe inflamed tissue.

This coating can act as a barrier against acidity.

Slippery elm can also stimulate the intestines to produce mucus.

The slippery elm, or red elm, tree is native to North America. People use the inner bark for medicinal purposes. It contains a substance called “mucilage.” When you mix it with water, mucilage becomes a gel.

This gel can coat different parts of the body and may provide relief from some conditions. For example, this gel can help coat and soothe inflamed tissues in the gastrointestinal tract. This may be beneficial for people with acid reflux.

[Hidden in reply to kflatt]

Gosh! Thank you. My grandfather always had cans of "Slippery Elm" food in the larder during the 1960's and 70's. I had forgotten this. I now know what it was for.

[Vicky4]

Thank you everyone for the replies they have been really useful he is on constant steroids and it has been since then or could be more to his condition but defiantly another trip to the doctors to talk through a few more options

[Shaurene in reply to Vicky4]

Hi Vicky. It is Ken here again. I am 76 and suffered with acid reflux so much. Tried everything possible, nothing worked until my doctor in New Zealand put me on the Omeprazole Actavis capsules. 20mg. Over the last 5-8 years. Never ever suffered since, no matter what I ate.

I would really get off the steroids p, they have so many side affects. Give these a try for the first week, test them. If they worked for me, well, they will work for any one.

Ken

[ledge]

Hi I run a reflux and Barretts Help group in Essex. So I really feel for your dad. I also suffer from lung damage due to reflux - so I doubly feel for him too.

Reflux can be helped by PPIs prescribed from your GP - they come as brand names like Lansoperzole or Omeprazole. Nexium is a ppi and can be purchased from the chemists - but I say this with a huge but - if your dad has had persistent reflux for more than a few weeks, this ought to be checked out and not self-medicated. Gaviscon Advance, taken after meals ( also available on prescription or over the counter) is a good as it forms a protective barrier over the acid in the stomach.

Also small meals, little and often, don't wear restrictive clothing around the waist, this also means tight belts. Sit upright when eating. Chew, Chew, Chew your food, Don't eat less than 3 hours before going to bed. Finally, raise your bed head by 4/6 inches with blocks, don't prop up on pillows as this bends you in half. Thats a few basics that could help.

[Edited by administrator]

[Shaurene]

Hi Vicky

I am ex Merseyside living New Zealand last 27 yrs. I have always suffered with acid reflux. Over 5 years ago my doctor put me on this medicatin. Wow, never suffered with the acid problem since, no matter what I ate. Hot curry sauce what ever. Go doctors and tell him or her this is what you want. Omeprazole Actavis Capsules. They have made my life bearable.

Do not let the Doc refuse. On the internet there is no record of after efects.

Let me know how you get on.

Ken

[Sparkimoore]

GAVISCON ADVANCE that you can get over the counter is EXCELLENT for calming down really nasty reflux when it happens, but there’s numerous drugs your go can prescribe for your dad. I was on a nasty toxic drug for my severe asthma & very severe reflux ewas one of the side effects. I was prescribed Pantoprazole twice daily, metacloperamide 3 times a day & ranitidine at night, plus the Gaviscon if I still got some break THRU reflux. Go back to your GP & insist he makes more effort to help your dad. This is most important if he’s restricting his eating. I was told spicy & fatty food, citrus & chocolate can make reflux worse. Good luck & I hope your dad feels better soon! There’s plenty out there to help him..

Rose

[peege]

Hi, I find avoiding acid and fatty foods really helps a lot. I've just eaten some milk chocolate, big mistake.

I no longer use butter or Lurpak because both mean a rush to the medicine cupboard for my Zantac.

[Aslangal]

Ditto to what others say mostly. Trick with Gaviscon Advanced is to take it just as you are about to lie down at night in bed. It puts like a seal across the pipe. I’ve found that works. Google what foods to avoid also - fried, spicy etc.,

[Hidden]

I was surprised when I read that peppermint and chocolate should be avoided when looking at how to avoid acid reflux. Both apparently relax the sphincter at the top of the stomach. I take PPI once a day. Lanzoprazole didn't agree with me so I take Pantoprazole. One thing you need to be aware of is that long term use of PPIs can mean some things such as Vit B12 don't get absorbed properly. Vit B12 deficiency is a minefield and not understood by many GPs. Check it out on NHS.UK. I also find Gaviscon good last thing at night. I didn't realise I had reflux for some time, though I had a hiatus hernia. No heartburn, but a very croaky voice, pain in throat and a cough, which I hadn't realised were also symptoms.