From the Guidelines
Reflux symptoms can worsen during viral infections due to increased coughing, postnasal drip, and inflammation, and managing these symptoms is crucial to prevent complications and improve quality of life. To manage reflux during a viral illness, the following strategies can be employed:
- Take antacids like Tums or Rolaids for immediate relief, or use H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid) 20mg twice daily or ranitidine (Zantac) 150mg twice daily, as recommended by studies such as 1 and 1.
- For more severe symptoms, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (Prilosec) 20mg daily or pantoprazole (Protonix) 40mg daily are effective, as suggested by studies such as 1 and 1.
- These medications should be taken 30 minutes before meals.
- Additionally, elevate the head of your bed 6-8 inches, avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime, and limit trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic items, as recommended by studies such as 1 and 1.
- Stay hydrated with water rather than acidic juices or carbonated beverages. The connection between viral infections and reflux occurs because coughing increases abdominal pressure, pushing stomach contents upward, while some viruses can temporarily slow gastric emptying, as explained in studies such as 1 and 1. Postnasal drip can also irritate the throat, mimicking or worsening reflux symptoms. Most reflux symptoms resolve as the viral infection clears, but persistent symptoms beyond 2-3 weeks warrant medical evaluation, as suggested by studies such as 1 and 1.
It is essential to note that the management of reflux symptoms during viral infections should prioritize the reduction of symptoms and the prevention of complications, while also considering the potential interactions between the viral infection and the underlying reflux disease, as discussed in studies such as 1 and 1. By employing these strategies, patients can effectively manage their reflux symptoms and improve their quality of life during viral infections.
From the Research
Reflux in Viral Infection
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links reflux to viral infections.
- However, the studies provide information on the management and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which may be relevant to understanding reflux in general 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Treatment of GERD
- The treatment of GERD typically involves lifestyle modifications, pharmaceuticals, and surgery 3, 4, 5.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to treat GERD, but their long-term use has raised concerns about safety and adverse events 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Combination therapy with PPIs and histamine(2) receptor antagonists has been studied, but its effectiveness is still unclear 2.
Management of Reflux-Like Symptoms
- A panel of experts has developed consensus statements for the management of reflux-like symptoms, including dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and fast-acting rescue therapies 4.
- The consensus statements emphasize the importance of identifying and avoiding dietary triggers, limiting alcohol and coffee consumption, and advising patients to avoid overeating 4.