Acid Reflux and GERD - What Treatments Are Available To Purchase Online?

Nov 23, 2022 Acid Reflux

 

Where acid reflux can be uncomfortable,  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD (sometimes referred to as GORD) can be described as being “next-level unpleasant”.

For some people, the symptoms of GERD can be quite severe and affect everyday life. 

Both conditions can appear similar and both often require lifestyle changes and medication or OTC treatments to deal with the causes and the symptoms, where appropriate. 

 

What is Acid Reflux?

 

When you have heartburn, you experience a burning feeling in your chest. This is caused by acid reflux which is where the stomach acid travels back up towards the throat. 

Thoroughly unpleasant, acid reflux symptoms include heartburn, which is the burning feeling in your chest and a nasty taste in your mouth.

This sourness is caused by stomach acid. As well as this, sufferers of acid reflux may experience frequent hiccupping or coughing, a sore/hoarse throat, feeling nauseous and bad breath. Symptoms tend to be worse after eating. Many people find that lying down or bending over makes the symptoms worse. 

You can buy acid reflux treatments online which can make a big difference, especially alongside changes to diet. 

 

What is GERD?

 

GERD (or GORD) is a digestive disorder. Gastric acid flows up from your stomach up the oesophagus. While this sounds identical to acid reflux, GERD is a more complicated condition and acid reflux is a symptom of it. 

 

Common Signs and Symptoms of GERD

 

Those suffering from GERD will experience some or all of the following symptoms:
 

• Acid Reflux (where the stomach acid comes back up to the mouth)
• Heartburn (an uncomfortable burning feeling in the centre of the chest)
• Nausea and/or vomiting 
• An inflamed oesophagus (this is called Oesophagitis)
• A sore throat/pain when swallowing
• Bad breath, belching or feeling bloated. 

 

Do I Have Gerd or Acid Reflux?

 

Gastrooesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a long-term condition and is more serious in terms of the damage it can cause, especially if not treated. 

The confusion comes from the fact that GERD is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week and/or damage and inflammation are being caused to the oesophagus. 

If you are still unsure about whether you are experiencing acid reflux or GERD, please speak to your GP or pharmacist.

 

Lifestyle changes that Can Help With Symptoms

 

The lifestyle changes that are suggested for both acid reflux and GERD are similar. Doctors suggest eating smaller meals throughout the day, rather than larger ones less frequently.

Keeping a diary to identify what food and drink triggers GERD or acid reflux symptoms is a good way to avoid flare-ups. Many people find that using pillows to avoid laying flat and not going to bed straight after food can be advantageous.

Other suggestions include keeping to a healthy weight and avoiding alcohol, chocolate, caffeine and spicy food. It can be worthwhile reducing portions and eating these foods at different times of day to see if that helps before putting them on the banned list. Consider acid reflux treatments to ease or keep symptoms at bay. 

There are other reasons that you might suffer from acid reflux, including it being a side effect of some medications. For example, some people who are prescribed NSAID’s are often prescribed something for acid reflux at the same time, to protect their stomach lining.  

 

Medications That Can Help Acid Reflux and GERD

 

Thankfully acid reflux treatments are available to buy online including over the counter and prescription medications. Popular over-the-counter products include Gaviscon liquid or tablets, Rennie, Windese, Guardiam or Milk of Magnesia, all of which are available without a prescription. Acid reflux and GERD are better recognised these days. This means that OTC remedies are easy to get hold of.

For those needing prescription treatments, you can buy Lansoprazole, Nexium and similar medications through SimplyMeds Online too.  Our prescriber would be happy to help you find the right treatment for you. Please call us on 0208 262 3252.

 

In Conclusion

 

Indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux and GERD are all conditions focused on the digestive system and the stomach. None of them are very pleasant and in the case of GERD especially, can be quite overwhelming.

Thankfully there are over-the-counter and prescription medications and treatments that can often help alleviate the symptoms. Identifying triggers and making lifestyle changes can make a big difference in terms of the frequency and severity of flare-ups of all of these conditions.

If you are concerned about any of your symptoms, or whether you need something on a prescription, see your GP or speak to our pharmacist for advice.  Don’t forget that you can nominate SimplyMeds Online as your NHS prescription provider which means that you can have your regular prescriptions shipped directly to your door.