(No Subject)

Yes, there are some people who stay on these types of drugs long term. I had a co-worker who has to take Prilosec once a day for the rest of his life because his stomach creates a lot of acid and his esophagus narrows to the point that he'll get bad reflux and phlegm if he doesn't take his pill.

In certain rare cases there are people who need to stay on these drugs long term. There has been an argument though that a drastic diet change may solve the issue but most people don't want to go that route.

I was on PPIs for over 20 years, did fine, until I was in an accident that caused me to need the surgery.

My allergist had me keep a food journal during this time which helped me find my food triggers. Food triggers can cause the reflux action - burping up food and acid after you eat something that irritates your stomach or esophagus. It has nothing to do with "acid" foods or spicy foods. It's just about whatever chemical "triggers" a reaction. Your doctor can't tell what bothers you. You have to find it for yourself. Not really hard to do.

PPIs and avoiding trigger foods won't cure a bad valve - the lower esophageal sphincter - which may stay open when you are lying down. But PPIs can make your stomach "non-acid," which can stop irritation. Raising the head of your bed can help with nighttime acid in your throat.

Don't bother with quack "cures" either. Only surgery can tighten the valve. You can find out if the valve is bad by asking for a barium swallow. Easy test, no pain, no anesthesia, not invasive. Just drink the milkshake and they take the pictures.