Acid Reflux

[237SJ]

If you go to the doctor with acid reflux, do they always arrange an endoscopy or do they just put you on PPIs?

[Smowball]

I never had an endoscopy, and I had/have terrible reflux. Was put straight on Omeprazole, which is working brilliantly.

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect the individual doctor would decide, possibly based on the serverity of your symptoms and history.

Have you tried taking diluted apple cider vinegar during the morning, or experimenting whether particular food types set it off ?

[andy-hughes]

All patients and bodies are individual, your doctor will proceed with the best process for you once he or she has examined you.

[Peter Pedant]

didnt expect that
I dont think the research has been done
he's a scopist, he's a pill popper

do the experiment and see, with your own doctor !

[Peter Pedant]

Andy has put it far more poncily than I cd.
spot on tho

I wd buy lansop over the counter and see if it works. It is very very common, and yeah one or two have gomboola disease etc

[237SJ]

Thanks for the replies. I have self medicated for 7 days at a time with Nexium but the symptoms return. I suspect it's a hiatus hernia but I hope that's all it is.

[andy-hughes]

Peter - If putting things 'poncily' means writing in English that can be understood, then yes, I did.

Maybe you should try it sometime, instead of the yards of pointless gobbledegook you spout every day.

[Vagus]

I’ve been taking lansoprazole for maybe 20-25years and never had a gastroscopy.
I have a suspected (suspected by myself and my GP)hiatus hernia which is why they were prescribed. I also take a couple of spoons of gaviscon just before bed, at my GPs suggestion. Between the two things, I never have any problems.

[gingejbee]

I did have the scope (up nose and down throat since I have a really strong gag reflex) and the consultant advised both Omeprazole and Gaviscon Advance (not the standard version) but with specific instructions on when to take both, which he stressed was important for proper control of the condition.

[RAINYDAYS]

I think in my experience of having reflux for over 10years.Doc will access you & put you on a cause of ppi s. If they don't work might send you for endoscopy. I have had 3 over the years nothing to worry about just ask for light sedation. You won't remember anything.

[Patsy33]

I was first put on Omeprazole several years ago, which worked. After a couple of years they stopped working as well. My doctor switched to Lansoprazol, which is working very well. By the way, about 5 years ago, I had endoscopy which revealed a hiatus hernia, (sliding). Good luck for the best treatment.

[237SJ]

Thanks for the further replies. Follow up - Doc just phoned and the first thing she wants to do is exclude H pylori but because I took Nexium I can't be tested for that until 2 weeks after I stopped it. Test is a stool sample, meanwhile she will put me on PPI for one month. If symptoms return she will arrange endoscopy. She's is certainly thorough, I`ll give her that.

[jno]

no, I was just put on lansoprazole, which did the trick (still on it daily, years later, a pill before breakfast). I haven't had an oscopy.

[choux]

SJ, are you worried about having an endoscopy?

[Sqad]

Feedback much appreciated.

[jno]

PP, I don't think you can get prazoles over the counter

[237SJ]

You can buy them over the counter. Nexium is esomeprazole but you should only take them for 7 days without medical advice.

[jno]

yes you're right, 237SJ. Omeprazole too but tablets, not capsules

[gingejbee]

...you can get a generic esomeprazole OTC at about half the price of branded (eg Nexium).