Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic but treatable condition where stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and into the esophagus. It commonly causes heartburn, a feeling that food is stuck in your chest or throat area, nausea, vomiting, or swallowing issues. Learn more about GERD here: https://www.andrea-digestive-clinic.com/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease/.

The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Singapore has improved greatly over the last few years. A combination of lifestyle changes and medications can offer relief for many people. However, before starting any medication, there are some questions you should ask your doctor about gastroesophageal reflux disease. W explore each of them below:

• What tests do I need?

First, your doctor should perform a physical examination. This will be followed by tests that can help identify the cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease and rule out other medical conditions that may have similar symptoms.

• How long will I need to take medication?

Most people require treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease for life. However, there are cases where it can improve greatly or go away with time after changes in lifestyle and behavior. If you stop the medications abruptly, heartburn often returns quickly; therefore, regular follow-up is important.

• What are my available treatment options?

Treatment options include over the counter (OTC) medications like antacids which neutralize the stomach acid, medication to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach, and other medications which can protect the esophagus.

• What are the drugs I have been prescribed for?

It is important to know what drug you are taking for gastroesophageal disease in Singapore. Your doctor should give you information about how much you should take, when to take it and how long it will be before its full effect is felt. Also, your doctor should inform you if it interferes with any other drugs or supplements that you may currently be taking.

• What types of side effects do these medications have?

OTC antacids typically cause fewer side effects compared to prescription medications because they are safe in small doses. The common side effects include gas, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. However, other antacid products may be absorbed into the system and cause other side effects such as headaches or tiredness.

Prescription medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease in Singapore can cause various side effects, including diarrhea, flatulence, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, there are rare but serious side effects to be aware of, which include liver problems, heartburn that gets worse after treatment is stopped and the development of a potentially life-threatening illness called Barrett’s esophagus. 

There have also been reports of an interaction between drugs causing an irregular heartbeat, which may worsen if taken with alcohol. Some medications can also decrease how much water your body absorbs from food which can lead to dehydration. 

• What lifestyle changes should I make?

Lifestyle changes and behavior modifications can make a great difference in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. For example, smoking worsens heartburn and other symptoms, while weight loss can contribute to quick relief from symptoms.

• How do I know if this medication is working?

It can take a few weeks before you notice a significant improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, if the treatment does not have any effect after that time or worsens your symptoms, you should inform your doctor immediately. In some cases, the amount ingested/taken has been increased, and sometimes it may be necessary to switch medications to see if there will be another drug that is more effective. You also need to ensure that you let your doctor know about all medications and supplements (over the counter and alternative dietary supplements) taken because these might interfere with treatments causing them to become less effective.

• What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, try not to panic. However, it is important that you do not double up the next time you need to take your medication. A missed dose can lead to worsening gastroesophageal reflux disease or other complications.

• When should I see my doctor again?

It is important that you follow up after starting a new treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Your doctor will want to know how you are responding to treatment and be aware of any new symptoms, changes in bowel habits, or other side effects that you may have. You should also see your doctor if the medication does not offer relief within two weeks or worsens your symptoms, as this could mean that there is another underlying condition such as infection, food allergy, or intolerance.

• Should I take over-the-counter medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Generally, it is better to ask a doctor before taking any over the counter (OTC) medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in Singapore. Some OTC medications can interfere with prescription treatments and make them less effective; they might also worsen your symptoms or cause complications. Therefore, it is best to always ask a doctor before taking any OTC medication for GERD.

Choosing the Best Doctor for GERD: What to Look for,

It is essential that you only see a gastroenterologist familiar with diagnosing and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease in Singapore. Following are some tips on how to pick the best doctor for your condition.

• Get referrals from family or friends who have had positive experiences with doctors.
• Search websites of professional associations, for board-certified specialists in your area. These physicians have gone through extensive training and have experience treating people with GERD.
• Make sure that any doctor you visit has proper certifications. 
• Ask doctors about their training and experience in caring for people with GERD. If you are unsure, ask them if they have any publications about gastroesophageal reflux disease. Also, inquire about their approach to treatment.
• Find out what type of treatments your doctor recommends for GERD. You should also ask if they have ever had a patient with similar symptoms as yours who haven’t responded well to standard therapy. This will help you determine how open-minded they are when it comes to treating gastrointestinal conditions that do not respond to first-line therapies.

The Bottom Line

Doctors are familiar with certain medications that have been shown to effectively treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Singapore. They also know how to monitor patients for any side effects or complications related to treatment. It is essential that you find a doctor who will spend enough time listening to your concerns and answer your questions thoroughly.

You should ask your doctor these questions about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) before starting a new treatment for GERD, then again on every follow-up visit after initiating therapy. You can print this list, complete it during your appointment, and give it to your health care provider if you cannot remember everything at once.

Andrea’s Digestive Clinic: Colon, Liver, Gallbladder, GERD/Acid Reflux Specialist

 #21-11/12 Royal Square at Novena, 101 Irrawaddy Rd, 329565

+65 6264 2836

https://www.andrea-digestive-clinic.com/