The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Posted by Suzanne (Austin) on 08/28/2016
NSAIDs definitely cause Acid reflux and/or LPR. NSAIDs Weaken the sphincter in the stomach. I was taken Advil once a day to help with neck pain, I had stopped taking but soon found myself experiencing tight in my neck and throat, sinus pressure, acid taste in mouth, voice becoming weaker, feeling like a blob was stuck in my that, and a horrible sensation that I wasn't able to breathe probably(vocal cord dysfunction). The last symptom means that acid has affected my vocal cords and they don't want to open and close properly. It's awful to feel like you can't breathe! I took ppi's but found the made me feel like I was going to explode! Very unpleasant. Obviously, I had changed my diet at this point-no coffee, spices, etc. read Drop the Acid(borrow from library, not a book to purchase), then I scourged the Internet.
This is what I came up with that HELPED me, halls throat soother for my vocal cords, magnesium citrate to help relax the lower sphincter in the stomach and to keep bowel movements regular. Slow digestion can creat acid reflux by creating pressure. Same with spicy foods, coffee, etc. I also took l-glutamine, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. I found for me the digestive enzymes were good to take between meals as well. You can try and see if that works. I also purchased zinc carnosine (Pepcix). It is used in Japan extensively for acid reflux. It helps heal the damage done by the acid. I also read a study that melatonin could help acid reflux and took that a bedtime. I found drinking lots of water(to wash throat of acid) and elevating my bed of great benefit as well. I found taking apple cider vinegar a horrific experience, if you have LPR do NOT use acv! It will burn, burn, burn the already burned esophagus. Don't do it. I also bought gaviscon from Canada pharmacy online to chew up at night before I went sleep to create a barrier. I bought from Canada because the gavision in American has aluminum; I don't want to ingest aluminum. Sometimes I took digestive enzymes before I went to sleep to help with night time acid production. It took months and months to heal, but I blame that on doctors who insisted for months that I had asthma.give all of these things a try. Oh yeah, some people have success with DGL.
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Posted by Puneet Bery (Delhi, India) on 07/09/2013
I am having a lot of Reflux and pain after having Pain Killers, I would Like to try apple Cider Vinegar as suggested but there is no clarity as to when I should be having it... before having my medicenes or what. Please clarify so that I can start.
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Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 07/10/2013 180 posts
Hi Puneet, Pain killers have the side effect of Reflux for some, because they create extra acidic environment in the system. To start with why are you taking the pain killers? If you can have some alternate for the problem for which you are taking the pain killers and in turn are having the Reflax and pain, logically pain killers should be stopped and some other alternate be looked for. Unless we know the reason which makes you to take the pain killers, it will be difficult to suggest any alternate. Good Luck
Baldev
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Posted by KT (The Usa) on 07/11/2013
Just a suggestion---pain is inflammation... Turmeric and ginger are reported to reduce inflammation... they have worked for me but you have to keep in mind things you may be eating that contribute to inflammation.
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Posted by Patty (Daytona, Fl) on 03/09/2012
Yeah, my GI told me that too, they all do, but they are wrong. Gerd is definitely related to NsAIDs, ibuprofen and the others. I think they just want you to keep taking them so you can keep coming back to them to get scoped and your ppi prescriptions. I got my gerd from aspirin that I took for years for a medical condition. My GI told me it wasn't the aspirin, but when I stop the aspirin the gerd gors away completely in a couple of months, when I take aspirin it comes right back. Doctors are not always right, and this is one they are very wrong.
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Posted by Jenny (El Segundo ) on 12/15/2016
I was taking Advil for 2 sprained feet for about 4 weeks and had to stop because I was getting acid reflux and stomach pain. Milk is good for acid reflux. It helps coat and calm the burning like mylanta. Or just take mylanta mint liquid. It works. The reflux and stomach pain should go away. :)
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 07/11/2013
I, too, get reflux from pain meds. I have neck and shoulder pain from injuries and now I work at a computer all day. My bad eyes make me hold my neck a certain way and boy, do I hurt. I got an ulcer from taking advil. I now take astaxanthin and serrapeptase, but still get reflux. I take heartburn ease for the acid, but not a fix. What should I take for pain?
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Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/11/2013
Trudyg, get up and walk around often. Do head/neck stretches often. Keep circulation going!
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Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 07/11/2013 180 posts
Hi Trudyg, For your kind of problem, I suggest you apply Magnesium Oil on the area where you get pain. It will be still better if you mix DMSO 80% and Magnesium Oil 50:50 and this mixture's application will surely give you relief from the pain and no acid reflux.
Baldev
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Posted by Kathryn (Stuttgart, Germany) on 01/27/2008
My husband and I suffer from headaches (bad ones). In 1995 he introduced me to ibuprofen, which greatly helped his headaches, and mine too.' He had been taking it for headaches for several years. In 2000, he thought he was having a heart attack, and went to the hospital. There, after many tests, they determined it was reflux. Two years later, I too, turned up with mild reflux. A few years later, we figured out that ibuprofen relaxes muscles, can cause constipation as well as relaxing the LES stomach valve and causing GERD. We very rarely use ibuprofen now, but still suffer from reflux problems. Orange peel/orange peel extract helps, as well as using a 2-week prilosec treatment when needed. Coffee is poison for me now! I try to keep away from coffee so I can drink wine now and then.
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Posted by Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 07/11/2013
Trudyg, Have you tried apple cider vinegar (internally) for the pain? Some find it helps pain that is arthritis related. It may also help the reflux. (It keeps mine in check.)
Apple Cider Vinegar topically is also something we have found helpful for pain. We soak a cloth with it and cover with plastic and then another towel. Not very convenient for neck and shoulder... I think it reduces inflammation. We have seen this help very much many times.
Castor Oil and or Peppermint essential oil can also be applied topically for the pain.
White Willow Bark Capsules are a good herb for pain, but I find they only help with mild pain.
Alternating Hot and Cold (heating pad, then frozen rice sock) is something else that is good for pain.)
I do notice that sugar consumption makes my pain worse. (I have scoliosis and my back is always off, so I am often dealing with some kind of back or neck or hip pain. Peppermint oil and avoiding sugar, hot and cold have all helped me at different times.)
Hope you find something to help... Have a great day!
~Mama to Many~
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Posted by KT (The Usa) on 07/11/2013
Neglected to mention that I had read a doctor reported indigestion is caused by too many carbs in your diet. It would be a good idea to ask for the package insert for your medication--not the computer print-out. See if the ingredients include any kind of starch. When I started to have a lot of indigestion I learned it was from what the animals were being fed that I was eating. I am not going to go into detail here unless someone is truly interested. After I read what the doctor reported and started to pay attention to what I was ingesting I began to realize what he reported was accurate. I can report that this is what also caused me be to incontinent for a short time. Once I became aware and started to reduce my consumption of GMO's the problems ceased. It is difficult because all of our food has been corrupted. We are not only exposed to GMO's in our food, our medications and/or supplements come from this food. Organic is not safe and, for me, it was worse. This discovery was after phone calls, screening and very expensive purchases.
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Posted by Diamond (Mass., US) on 08/07/2014
I found that I had severe acid reflux; then I read in a med.journal not to eat sweets or dark sodas or caffeen. This one time I went on a cruise and cheated on my diet and ate large amounts of sweets because they were so good. I just made it home in time to go into ER and have my gallbladder removed. The doctor said I was very lucky because if I had of still been on that cruise another day I would have died; the Dr. said my gallbladder was right on top of my liver. I still cheat on my diet and shouldn't because I found I have a tumor on my spine where it spread to my brain. I do herbs which help some. It's so painful from head to toe. The best results is much prayers. God Bless.
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Posted by Jane (Portland, Oregon) on 04/07/2011
RAW Apple cider vinegar
1-2 T vinegar
1/3-1/2 t Baking soda
4-6 oz water
Tall glass for fizz reaction and bang it down to Alkalinize your stomach. Must use RAW Apple Cider Vinegar to make it turn from an acid to an alkaline in your stomach. I spell relief "BURP"
Pure Turmeric with coconut oil. I make a lukewarm drink of Coconut (vanilla flavored)milk with a spoon of coconut oil to melt and 1/2 t turmeric. Mix and sip. If you like curry, this will taste good and comforting. Tummy ache from meds will be all gone.
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Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 06/17/2008
Hi Ross from Vancouver. Please be aware that there is lots of controversy with prolonged use of Tyelnol (acetaminophen) even at recommended levels. Too much tylenol destroys the liver. It is also recommended that you never take it on an empty stomach. Why are you taking all these pain medicines for such a long period? If it's joint pain or post-traumatic arthritis type pain, consider MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) instead. One fellow I got started taking it for post fracture/repair pain liked the way it worked so well that he gave it out for Xmas presents that year. It is a whole lot safer than NSAIDS or tylenol.
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Posted by Willow9 (Stockholm, Sweden) on 08/16/2012
Why take such bad medication for Diabetic Neuropathy?
When you can take Evening Primrose tablets? I'm Diabetic and I take very few meds because the more meds the more side effects. Evening Primrose really works... You need about 5 or six days to notice the results.. And walk as much as you can to keep circulaton going. Pain killers all have terrible side effects. Ask your Dr if you can try Evening Primrose.. And just a normal daily dose. More is NOT better. Good luck :-)
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Posted by Colin (Halifax, Yorkshire England) on 05/10/2009
have you tried salt gargle I had lump in my throat for a long time I gargled with salt and it was cured in days
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Posted by Kathy (Punxsutawney, Pa) on 09/01/2009
Just FYI for the people who have never heard of this, but aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminofen, etc, even willow bark extract, can cause a rebound effect. That is, when you take a pain killer for a headache, when it wears off you get, surprize...a headache!, especially if you take a pain killer often.
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Posted by Kathleen (Fernley, Nevada) on 02/25/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I worked in Gastroenterology for years and GERD is not neccesarily caused by Ibuprofen.' People who get stomach ulcers (caused by the bacteria, helicobacter Pylori, a corkscrew bacteria that burrows into the stomach and causes the nasty ulcers) are advised not to take IBUPROFEN, Aspirin, and any other Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, because they thin the blood, and cause the ulcer to bleed. H.Pylori is easily cured with a triple antibiotic regime (which is quite uncomfortable, but it does work).
As for GERD, it is mostly caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol and over eating, and having a hiatal hernia contributes as well. I am all for natural cures, However, they may just mask the symptoms.
My husband never had heart-burn. He Had a gastroscopy for stomach problems which was Gastritis, and it was discovered then, that he had damage to his esophagous.
Interestingly our Endoscopy Suite, we found that people with symptons of pain and burning had less Barret's, because they usually sought treatment before damage occurred.
My husband has been on Protonix since he was 53 years old (he is now 66)and over the years, protecting his esophagous with Protonix, his Barrett's is actually healing.
He must have a Gastroscopy every 2 years, to keep track of this condition, as Barrett's Syndrome (caused by acid reflux into the esophagous which changes the esophageal lining from normal to that of the stomach)is abnormal and is a pre-cancerous condition because stomach lining doesn't belong in the esophagous.
For people who have non-healing Barrett's or excruciatingly painful GERD, there is a procedure called Nissan Fundiplication that has been helpful. Look for a G.I. or General Surgeon who has done many of these procedures and ask if he will talk to previous NF patients that would be willing to talk to you, about their results. Hope this Helps.
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Posted by Laurie (Middleton, Idaho) on 08/13/2012
My GI doc specifically told me that my use of Ibuprofen was most likely the primary cause of my acid reflux as I do not smoke, drink, or overheat. In fact I'm slender.
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Posted by Step (Houston, TX) on 04/17/2009
I had a very similar experience. I have NEVER had any stomach/acid reflux problems. No matter what I ate. A month ago I had some body pains so started taking ibuprofin (over the suggested limite, I took 8 in one day the second day I was taking them). I also mixed it with Vikoden. Well, I developed irratated stomach lining (not an ulcer yet) and have had acid reflux now for about 3 weeks. I dont know if it well ever go away.
For clarification, I was only on ibuprofin for 2 days and only mixed them with 1 pill of Vikoden twice. I stopped all medication after the stomack issues.
Symptoms include:
Coughing
Feeling of something in the back of my throat
Waking up at night choking
Random vomiting
Steps Taken:
Elevated bed, mattress and multiple pillows
Sleep on left side (this REALLY helps)
Take Whole leaf aloe
Eat last meal 4 hours or more before bedtime
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Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 04/18/2009
IMO why pain-killers make you have gastric problems may be because they delay digestion and then the food sits in your stomach longer and may even start to rot and give off gas, acids, etc. before it gets digested.
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Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 04/18/2009 490 posts
Hello Lisa, Your suspicion of ibuprofen causing your stomach upset is probably right for it is an NSAID and the whole family of them are notarious for causing stomach problems ranging from acid regurg to outright bleeding peptic ulcers. It may sound strange but cayenne pepper will probably be kinder to your stomach than the prescribed medicine that you said isn't helping much.
For future reference, MSM also has an anti-inflammatory action but without the side effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also a natural substance found in our bodies, but the NSAIDS aren't.
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Posted by Christine (Boston, Ma) on 08/28/2011
Thanks to all of you for sharing your info and experiences. I have been an avid user of Ibuprofen for years and recently had minor surgery where I was prescribed Tylenol w/codene (sp?). I finished about 3/4 of the prescription and since then, I have been suffering the same symptoms as "Step in Houston" w/random vomitting, choking and coughing in middle of night, lump in my throat and acid reflux or heartburn. Since I am a very healthy person in my 40's, I was concerned this would may become a permanent condition. Now I am convinced that it was from the prescription pain killer and plan to try the ACV and lay off the Ibuprofen for awhile to see if I can get rid of it for good. Thanks again all you posters!
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Posted by Carmel (England) on 06/16/2014
Hello, I had no problems with stomach until I had a lot of sinus problems and the doctor kept putting me on courses of antibiotics and steroids. The next thing I new I had stomach ulcer(s) and then headaches and then silent acid reflux and headaches.
I am now taking cimetidine which helped for a bit and now does not. It is always worse on waking. Am looking into ways to get better naturally - hopefully.
In England very few of the doctors accept or believe there is any connection to diet and know nothing about nutrition etc nor do they accept there can be a connection between stomach and sinus/head/ears.
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Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 06/16/2014
To Carmel from England;
Re ... ulcers;
I've fought off ulcers once and two other times when one was starting up.
Two things must happen when I deal with ulcers.
I get off all carbonated drinks and stop all acidic foods...ketchup; chili; tomatoes; coffee (even de caff) etc.
I eat steamed vegetables during this two to three month program. I can eat breads and butter but nothing that will cause digestive stress (no red meat). And no ice cream.
Basically, a bland diet.
Second: There are three things I must do by way of "nutrient" supplement. First, to kill the probable bacteria in stomach I drink on empty stomach, Colloidal Silver twice daily. I also drink four tablespoons of aloe vera juice. That aloe is a burn healer. I do that for a full two months. Especially important to take that on empty stomach and one of the daily doses before bed. I start feeling better without morning burn within a few days. And finally I take DGL which is a licorice extract. Three pills twice daily following the aloe drink.
I keep this up for at least two months and three if there is any indication the burning is still present.
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Posted by Bill (San Fenando, Philippines) on 06/16/2014
Hi Carmel...Regarding your ulcer I would follow Dave from Fountain Inn's ulcer therapy and perhaps add mastic gum to it as well.
Your GERD problems are an entirely separate issue. Your doctor, like most doctors, has probably advised the wrong treatment for you. GERD problems usually always arise because of too little stomach acid and not because of too much stomach acd. You can get your stomach acid tested using the Heidelberg Test - I would strongly advise that you do this test. So taking cimetidine -- the wrong therapy -- to reduce stomach acid even more is bound to lead to many more health problems in the future.
If you have low stomach acid then your pepsin enzymes for stomach digestion will be impaired. More importantly if your stomach acid isn't up to scratch or is not strong enough then this means that your intestines will have no protection against any viruses, bacteria and fungus incoming with your food. Correct levels and strength of stomach acid acts to kill all pathogens in the food. If you therefore have low stomach acid then this means that your health will inevitably become worse because pathogens from your food will have a free and unhindered passage directly into your intestines.
You need to take betaine hydrochloride with pancreatin enzymes (with papain and bromelain) at every meal to secure proper stomach acid strength and to help digest your food properly. Taking betaine HCL will both help to restore proper levels of stomach acid and also help to protect against pathogens incoming with food.
Main stage digestion -- where everything gets digested -- occurs in the duodenum. When the stomach acid is at the right strength it triggers the pancreatic juices to secrete bicarbonates and enzymes into the duodenum. But if the stomach acid is too low or at incorrect strength this will not happen. The bicarbonates from the pancreas act to neutralize the chyme or stomach acid plus food in order to provide the correct alkaline to neutral environment so that the duodenal enzymes can do their job. If the acid stomach chyme has not been neutralized in the duodenum then the duodenal enzymes(which are also triggered by correct stomach acid strength) will not be able to do their job in an acidic environment. So the food just sits there in the duodenum undigested, stagnating and fast-breeding pathogens. And this is what causes GERD.
This is why you should also take 1/2 tspn Baking Soda(sodium Bicarbontate) about an hour after you have eaten every meal -- when stomach digestion has finished and duodenal digestion is ongoing. Doing this provides the optimum alkaline to neutral environment for the duodenal enzymes to work in.
Iodine is also necessary for the stomach to heal and produce gastric acid so taking a liquid kelp extract with water will also help you. Also taking Magnesium Chloride as Magnesium Oil (ten drops twice a day at mealtimes) will help to replenish your HCL stores in the stomach.
For more details and explanations on how to cure your GERD problems see this link:
http://chriskresser.com/get-rid-of-heartburn-and-gerd-forever-in-three-simple-steps
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Posted by Chuck (Warner Robins, GA) on 12/23/2008
I am just now finding out that I have acid reflux. I shattered 3 neck vertabrae and ruptured a disk in the thoracic area of my back. I was prescribed Lortab and 800mg Ibuprofin. I started feeling this constant urge to have to swallow about 2 yrs ago and felt like everytime I took my pills, it would get stuck in my throat. I was just diagnosed yesterday. Do you have any advice for me? Thank You.
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Posted by Judy (Marianna, Fl) on 04/24/2010
I have just recently started having somewhat the same symptoms you are experiencing. However, mine does not have the burning sensation at all, mine is pure raw pain at times. The lump in my throat is very uncomfortable and the pain in my chest right around my esophagus can be excrutiating at times. I have arthritis in every joint and I have been taking ibuprophen pm everynight to help me rest since there is no comfortable position. I have just recently started investigating this and was deathly afraid of cancer of the esophagus. Have apt set to see Dr. This has relieved me tremendously, but I sure sympathize with the pain.
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Posted by Ross (Vancouver, BC Canada) on 06/14/2008
I used Ibuprofin for at least 20 years ( Ate them like candy.Thought they were like crack for pain)Then I developed Reflux.Tried everything. Until I stopped taking any NSAIDS there was no respite.What has worked for me is boiled ginger root tea, strained and kept cool,after a meal.(3oz) This has really helped me and the reflux is now barely noticable.I now use tramadol and Tylenol for pain. ( I have diabetic neropathy (sp?) so I need some relief fror that). No connection with those painkillers, but definitely with Ibuprofin.
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Posted by Kira (Los Angeles, California) on 06/06/2008
Up until two months ago, I had never experienced acid reflux. I've spent almost 50 years eating almost nothing but chocolate, citrus and several cans of diet coke a day.I then developed a sudden onset of acid reflux attacks -- to the point that my throat was closing up, causing me real terror for about 48 hours as I struggled to breathe. I am writing to relate what I think may have caused the problem (which I now seem to have on a regular basis but less severely).
I had minor cosmetic surgery that involved removing some of the "matrix fat" in my lower abdominal area. To put me to sleep for the surgery, I was given one Benedryl tablet. After the surgery, I had acid reflux -- although it remained mild and went away in a couple of weeks. I attributed the problem to the one Benedryl tablet. After the acid reflux went away, I thought maybe the Benedryl had been falsely accused. So I took a tablet to sleep one night, and the next day was fine. That night I took another Benedryl, and I had acid reflux the next day.
I stopped the Benedryl and was fine in about a week. I then had further cosmetic surgery and more matrix fat was removed from my abdomen. I took just one more Benedryl tablet for this surgery. The next day my throat was closing up and I've had daily acid reflux for 3 weeks now.
I am sure the Benedryl is part of the problem. I may also have been exposed to some bacterial infection in the doctor's office where both surgeries were performed under not overly sterile conditions (but then I've had plenty of surgeries in other doctors' offices with no problem re it not being very sterile). I'm just saying its possible I was exposed to some acid reflux causing bacteria in this doctor's office. It's also possible that the removal of the matrix fat itself somehow removed some sort of protective hormone in this fat -- just a theory.
I've also noticed that eating Flan seems to badly trigger the acid reflux (although I ate the same Flan constantly up until I took the Benedryl for the first time without a problem).
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Posted by Jack (Mosier, Oregon) on 05/21/2008
I have been using ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) for acid reflux for over 2 years. I started having reflux after I had a sore foot and was prescribed 600 mg of Ibuprofin 3 x daily. prior to that time I could eat anything. After a couple of weeks of the large dose of Ibuprofin I could not eat anything without severe Reflux. After using antacids for a long time I tried 2 TBS. per 8oz ACV to Water 1/2 hour prior to eating. It worked better than all of the antacids to releive the symptoms and the reflux slowly went away.
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Posted by Jen (Paramus, NJ) on 03/29/2008
I have had symptoms of GERD for about 4 months-coughing, lump in the throat, terrible sore throats, etc. I can't pinpoint what the cause of it is. I have noticed though, that when I take aspirin -Excedrin, for several days in a row, my symptoms act up. Since I suffer from migraines and sinus headaches, Excedrin (2 pills) would be the only relief for me. I also thought back to when my symptoms of GERD began. Doctors had put me on rounds of antibiotics. When one didnt work, they prescribed another-several times. Again, I was taking aspirin during the same time as well. I truly believe there is a connection between the 2. Now Im hoping to find a natural cure, as I sit here typing and my throat's on fire! =/ I think Ill give the ACV a try.
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Posted by Ren (New York, Ny) on 08/31/2009
I have had a lump in my throat for about 4 months now and have some discomfort at my sternum (where the sphincter is in your stomach). I have been taking many brands of medications for reflux and nothing helped. I am a healthy, active, slim individual in her 40's and in the past could eat anything including spicy foods. But for the past 4 months nothing would work until I started reading all of your recommedations for Apple Cider Vinegar. I thought it was a crazy idea but at this point I wanted to try anything to make this discomfort go away. And to my surprise this is the only thing that helped. Started helping the first day. Took two teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water 3 times a day. And now I read about the connection of Acid reflux to ibuprofen. I have been taking ibuprofen for migraines and sinus headaches for over 15 years now. Usually every other month. That is the only medication that works for my headache. Very scary thought that this may be the cause of my symptoms. It seems my symptoms and use of ibuprofen sounds like the rest of you. I will now look into other medications for my migraines.
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Posted by Margaret (South Bend, Indiana) on 03/17/2008
In response to the acid reflux/ibuprofen link. I was a regular user of advil cold sinus during the fall to help with sinus headaches. I have suffered from reflux off and on for 5-7 years. I also am curious about a possible antibiotic link. I was prescribed tetracyclene in the 70's for acne. I took it for at least a year. In 1996 I was prescribed another cyclene antibiotic and it really bother my stomach.
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Posted by Lisa (New Jersey, United States) on 01/23/2008
I have been suffering with acid reflex for about three weeks now.' I am 46, in good health, trim and eat a fairly balanced diet. I do indulge in sweets occasionally and have three or four cocktails on the weekends. I have never had gastric issues, never had heartburn, not even with my two pregnancies. Early in December I had a nasty spill on the ice and landed directly on my tail bone. For the pain I was prescribed Hydrocodone with ibuprofen. I took about 10 pills out of thirty, but did not continue because I didn't like the way it made me feel. I continued with basically round the clock doses of advil instead. My suspicion is that my reflux is due to heavy ibuprofen use. I am now taking Prilosec OTC. I have been on it for a week and have noticed only a slight improvement. I also have a very annoying lump feeling in my throat that comes and goes. If anyone has had a similar experience what have they used and is this a temporary sort of situation or is it possible that this is an issue I will always have to deal with?
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Posted by Charlotte (Clacton) on 06/18/2014
Re: Acid Reflux and Stomach Ulcers: Thank you for this information, have written it all down.
I would like to add that in my case I don't get heartburn etc I just get a bad stomach that comes and goes and dull bad headaches and blocked and sometimes painful ear. This is always the right ear - the one I sleep on. Sometimes face pain.
My appetite is great. Previously I would sometimes get my nose just suddenly running like a tap and then stop.
Yesterday in desperation to feel better I took three high dose biotics and hours later had a terrible stomach and my right ear is worse! So will not do that again.
Have been taking two fibre capsules a day but now notice that when I take them I am more likely to get nausea and a bad stomach after. Should I continue with the fibre capsules? Should I continue with two multi vitamins a day? Should I continue with my fish oil omega 3?
Thanks so much for being there, am feeling bad and it does help to know someone cares and is on your side.
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Posted by donna (atlantic beachl, fl) on 01/11/2008
hi' have had acid reflux for a number of years until the last few months i was an avid ibruprfin user taking 1600 miligrams a day for a knee problem. The last few weeks has been pure hell for me. backup on my esophgus, where at tines have to try and get it up.. A feeling of peanut butter in my throat, mucus all the time.. have been taking previcid to no avail, now have double op on a new medication aciflex, watching my diet.. doctor will do the endoscopy to see if i may have caused some damage to the esophogus or stomach.
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Posted by Ginny (Marion, SC, USA) on 12/30/2007
GERD. Thanks for the info on your site.' Two weeks ago, I had a tooth extracted and ended up with a dry socket. I was given 1000 mg of erithimicin per day. This was the beginning of my troubles. After two days, I decided to stop and I started taking 3 ibupropins for the pain, 2x per day. A few days later, I was in so much pain, I thought I was going to have to call 911. I finally made myself throw up (6x) and I got some relief. I can see now that I was poisoning myself. Now I know what not to do! Thanks!
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Posted by Bev (Elroy, WI) on 12/13/2007
I had been treated with zithromax for pneumonia but what seemed to trigger the severe, sudden onset of reflux was taking 200mg of ibuprofen twice within the week for pain in my neck during that time.' The ibuprofen caused a gastric ulcer since I had been on periodic courses of prednisone earlier for acute asthma which resolved after seven weeks of antibiotics. When I got the pneumonia I had no asthma but a high fever, fatigue and pain in the neck. Steroids can cause ulcers but I didn't think the effect would last that long as I was not taking any at the time. I woke up choking at night with reflux and started protonix. Stopped after about one year and since use digestive enzymes, honey, camomile, ACV with baking soda. Caution: Prevacid ia a fluoridated medication. Along with the reflux, I began severe hypothyroid symptoms I believe caused by Diflucan and Advair which are both fluoridated. Have been doing the borax detox twice a week and have reduced thyroid medication from 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 gr Armour.
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Posted by Bob (Naples, Idaho) on 04/14/2010
Since last November, five months, I have had a non-productive cough that would not go away, mucus in the throat and generally felt 'half a bubble off' all the time. I thought it must be a cold or the flu, maybe strep throat. A friend thought it could be a heart problem.
I avoid doctors, but did go for the first time in four years about three weeks ago. The Doc checked me over and informed me I had acid flux. Not sure if he could tell...I thought he was crazy. Even so, I took the samples of Kapidex. He said to come back in two weeks and if that works we'll get you on something cheaper. Well, I had no intention of getting on anything. I did take the Kapidex for about ten days. Still not believing his diagnosis completely I did a lot of reading on the internet and started several home remedies. Apples and apple cider vinegar seemed to help the most.
About six, seven days ago I chanced upon a connection between Ibuprofen and acid reflux. A follow up search showed a ton of people were developing acid reflux after taking Ibuprofen. One site had nine pages of posts from all kinds of people with the same story.
I had been taking Ibuprofen for a couple years for SI joint pain, 600mg every other night. The anti-inflammatory effect would allow that joint to shift back and it worked as a sleep aide. I knew it could cause stomach problems and was alert for that. Never had even a hint of stomach problem.
With this new info I stopped taking Ibuprofen about a week ago. In the morning I felt lousy and the SI joint was out big time. The following day was worse. Last Monday I got up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. About three that afternoon I began to feel better and I was able to get the SI back in place. Tuesday I felt like a new person. My guess is I have just gone through withdrawal. The acid reflux is nearly gone. I just hope there is no permanent damage.
Here's the point of this story: Maybe I didn't read the label well enough. I had no idea Ibuprofen use could result in acid reflux. I never had 'stomach upset' problems and I don't recall seeing 'heartburn' listed though now I see it is listed last as a side effect. Should have been listed first! Even if I had known that, I didn't know that a dry cough and mucus with no fever are symptoms of acid reflux. The truth is in many cases, maybe most, the first side effect that manifests is heartburn. Apparently there are a large number of people in the same boat. I thought Ibuprofen was a God send...actually it's dangerous stuff to be taking. I did it on my own, but in many cases a doctor prescribes that much or more.
I wish someone had told me to watch out for a cough and mucus because that is acid reflux and acid reflux is often the first nasty side effect you will notice from over use of Ibuprofen. And you will be going through withdrawal after long time use when you quit. Or maybe 'do not take for more than a week or two, even if a doctor tells you it's ok'. It's not ok.
