Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) FAQs (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease FAQs Introduction
- Does GERD affect my heart?
- How common is GERD?
- What causes GERD?
- What is hiatal hernia?
- Does GERD have symptoms other than heartburn?
- Should I see my health care provider if I have these symptoms?
- Will I have to have tests to see if I have GERD?
- What is the treatment for GERD?
- How do antacids work?
- What are my options if these treatments don't work?
- When is surgery needed for GERD?
- How can I prevent symptoms?
- Will I have to take medication for the rest of my life?
- What happens if I stop treatment?
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Multimedia
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
What causes GERD?
We don't know the exact cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease. We do know what makes it worse, either by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter or directly irritating the esophagus.
- Lifestyle - Use of alcohol or cigarettes, obesity, poor posture (slouching)
- Medications - Blood pressure drugs called calcium channel blockers, theophylline (Tedral, Hydrophed, Marax, Bronchial, Quibron), nitrates, antihistamines
- Diet - Fatty and fried foods, chocolate, garlic and onions, drinks with caffeine, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, spicy foods, mint flavorings
- Eating habits - Eating large meals, eating before bedtime
- Other medical conditions - Hiatal hernia, pregnancy, diabetes
Next: What is hiatal hernia? »
Important Safety Information
- KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.
- Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
- The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Uses of KAPIDEX
- Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4–8 weeks.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KAPIDEX™ is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease »
Gastroesophageal reflux is a normal physiological phenomenon experienced intermittently by most people, particularly after a meal.
