Painkillers & Acid Reflux Symptoms: Unhealthy Relations

Using Nexium is the only thing that has worked so far, although the low carb diet helped some. While I was in Italy for a semester I noticed some decrease of acid reflux thanks to a better diet, even if I still had to avoid the pasta. I ate a lot of oranges while there, and that seemed to help some. Mostly though, I am replying to the idea of the painkiller ibuprofen being a leading cause. To this, at least in my experience, I firmly say nay! I'm 20 years old, and even during sports I rarely use any sort of painkiller, opting rather to deal with it or alleviate the hurt with hot or cold, etc. I will go months at a time without touching any painkiller and yet I have severe GERD with related asthma symptoms. Maybe for some of you this has caused it, but the few times I have taken painkillers, I really didn't notice much of a difference.

I don't agree that the painkillers are what cause GERD. I was diagnosed with it about four years ago and was prescribed Nexium. I did not take the medication and by chance cut back my intake of breads and baked goods. GERD's symptoms went away almost instantly! Now I'm on ibuprofen daily for arthritic hip-GERD has NOT returned. Actually, I laid off the refined carbs, like sandwich bread, rice, cornbread, yeast rolls, commercial bake and serve breads...' I stopped getting the burn in my chest and throat from regurgitating my food intake.

I just came upon your site and am going to try the remedies for my acid reflux that was just diagnosed but that has bothered me for some time. I wanted to write that the first time I felt ill was when I was on the South Beach Diet and I have been plagued ever since..

Regarding the ibuprofen connection to GERD, I do not take any form of this pain reliever, and still have GERD. I do take tylenol, but not frequently.

I just wanted to contribute to the acid reflux/pain killer theory. I have had terrible acid reflux for 15 years and never ever take Advil or similar pain killers, so I am sure that it was not caused by Advil. Thanks!