FAQ: “What should I do if reflux esophagitis flares up when I stop acid suppressants?”

  Western medicine treatment for reflux esophagitis is mainly the use of acid suppressants, and most patients are still very effective, but some patients, after stopping acid suppressants, the symptoms of acid reflux and regurgitation attack immediately, so often take acid suppressants, why is this? What should I do when I encounter this situation?  The first step is to analyze whether you have some habits that cause reflux. Some studies have found that some habits may trigger the attack of the disease, so try to avoid them. These habits include 3 main areas: 1, frequent consumption of foods that may induce reflux symptoms, such as coffee, chocolate, spicy or acidic foods, high-fat diet. 2, eating before bedtime. 3, smoking, drinking alcohol. Gao Min, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital The second step is to assess again for weight gain. Many studies have found that reducing weight can reduce the symptoms of reflux.  In the third step, if none of the above-mentioned causes are found, it is recommended to go to the TCM department of the hospital, where doctors will treat reflux esophagitis using Chinese herbal medicine according to the different characteristics of the patient’s cold and heat deficiency.  In addition, some patients do not have significant effect after using acid-suppressing drugs, which is related to many factors. It is recommended that patients go to the hospital to perform relevant examinations to exclude other esophageal and gastric diseases, and then use Chinese medicine for treatment.