People turn to alternative treatment for various reasons. There are two main reasons. Firstly conventional medicine is failing them. This occurs in some areas of medicine. In the case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, there is no one single conventional treatment that works for most people. Secondly patients fear the potential side effects. In arthritis, for example, drug treatment has potentially serious effects.

Conventional acid reflux treatment is very good. The two main groups of drugs that reduce acid suppression are very effective and very safe. Is it that patients prefer to  treat themselves rather than see their doctor? Patients know that although these drugs work extremely well, when discontinued relapse is likely. Are they worried about long term use of these drugs in acid reflux treatment?

A study showed that 72% relied on conventional treatment for GERD. This is H2-receptor antagonists and proton pulp inhibitors. Antacids only made up 9% of GERD patients. The study also showed that most GERD patient relied on lifestyle modification.

I believe in some forms of alternative treatment but I will never advise you to abandon conventional therapy in favour of complimentary treatment.

If you have acid reflux symptoms and your initial treatment is in the form of alternative treatment, please make an objective decision on the progress you are making. If your symptoms persist, check them out. See your doctor.

If you are already on conventional treatment and you are unhappy with the relief you are getting, go back to your doctor. Your GERD may be more serious than you or your doctor thought. If you are considering alternative treatment while you are on prescribed treatment, check with your doctor before starting.

If you are pregnant or thinking of starting a family, my advice is to avoid all forms of alternative treatment.

Remember the best acid reflux treatment is proton pump inhibitors.

Dr. Phil Hariram.