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Christine (Riverview, Florida) on 09/19/2007
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I had mono about 11 years ago, and to reduce the pain/swelling in my throat, my doctor said it would be okay to take up to 4 ibuprofen (800mg) every 4-6 hours. This went on for a good month or two. Ever since I have been ailed with acid reflux and gastritis. This has baffled my gastro doctor since my endoscopy results came back normal with just a little redness. To help with the symptoms, my doctor has had me taking Nexium for about 5 years now (after trying everything else)and I have basically become dependent on it. Currently, I have no insurance, so I cannot afford Nexium. I have been taking Zantac 150 which is over-the-counter atleast 2-3 times per day, with no relief from the pain of this disease. I have recently heard about the vinegar "diet" and wanted to research it on my own. I am willing to try anything at this point to "cure" myself for good.

Replied By Andrew (Okc, Ok) on 09/18/2009

When I was 12-15 years old, I was prescribed ibuprofen for what was diagnosed as "rheumatoid arthritis" from overuse of my shoulders. I was actually told by my doctor that it would "fix" it. Being a kid, I didn't know any better and just swallowed pill after pill per the instructions of the doctor. I was given prescriptions for 800 mg Ibuprofen to be taken twice daily. I was provided no advice on therapy and no other instructions other than to take it with food if it was bothering my stomach.

At age 18, I began continuous reflux. Despite following the general template for advice that GI doctors provide, I showed NO improvement.

I also have tried apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and digestive enzymes with no success.

I began weaning myself off proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for the past year but I still have to take a 20 mg dose every 3rd day.

Now there is actual clinical data that supports D.O. theories of PPI side effects. PPI causes dependency so I'm now weaning off with Ranitidine 75-150 mg a day to extend the period of PPI intake intervals.

Replied By Bob (Naples, Idaho) on 04/14/2010

Since last November, five months, I have had a non-productive cough that would not go away, mucus in the throat and generally felt 'half a bubble off' all the time. I thought it must be a cold or the flu, maybe strep throat. A friend thought it could be a heart problem.

I avoid doctors, but did go for the first time in four years about three weeks ago. The Doc checked me over and informed me I had acid flux. Not sure if he could tell...I thought he was crazy. Even so, I took the samples of Kapidex. He said to come back in two weeks and if that works we'll get you on something cheaper. Well, I had no intention of getting on anything. I did take the Kapidex for about ten days. Still not believing his diagnosis completely I did a lot of reading on the internet and started several home remedies. Apples and apple cider vinegar seemed to help the most.

About six, seven days ago I chanced upon a connection between Ibuprofen and acid reflux. A follow up search showed a ton of people were developing acid reflux after taking Ibuprofen. One site had nine pages of posts from all kinds of people with the same story.

I had been taking Ibuprofen for a couple years for SI joint pain, 600mg every other night. The anti-inflammatory effect would allow that joint to shift back and it worked as a sleep aide. I knew it could cause stomach problems and was alert for that. Never had even a hint of stomach problem.

With this new info I stopped taking Ibuprofen about a week ago. In the morning I felt lousy and the SI joint was out big time. The following day was worse. Last Monday I got up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. About three that afternoon I began to feel better and I was able to get the SI back in place. Tuesday I felt like a new person. My guess is I have just gone through withdrawal. The acid reflux is nearly gone. I just hope there is no permanent damage.

Here's the point of this story: Maybe I didn't read the label well enough. I had no idea Ibuprofen use could result in acid reflux. I never had 'stomach upset' problems and I don't recall seeing 'heartburn' listed though now I see it is listed last as a side effect. Should have been listed first! Even if I had known that, I didn't know that a dry cough and mucus with no fever are symptoms of acid reflux. The truth is in many cases, maybe most, the first side effect that manifests is heartburn. Apparently there are a large number of people in the same boat. I thought Ibuprofen was a God send...actually it's dangerous stuff to be taking. I did it on my own, but in many cases a doctor prescribes that much or more.

I wish someone had told me to watch out for a cough and mucus because that is acid reflux and acid reflux is often the first nasty side effect you will notice from over use of Ibuprofen. And you will be going through withdrawal after long time use when you quit. Or maybe 'do not take for more than a week or two, even if a doctor tells you it's ok'. It's not ok.

Replied By Bassbuster (Joliet, Il) on 01/18/2011

I have acid reflux for over 20 years. Recently after minor sedated oral surgery it flared terribly. One day for reasons I cannot explain I took a tablespoon of honey.... I don't usually use honey for anything except BBQ. The acid reflux symptoms quit in under 5 minutes. I have been taking 1 tablespoon before and one after main meals for about a week now and no more acid reflux.... As well as I seem to be having much less joint pain. Concidering that I have multiple broken bones and diagnosed with referred sympathetic pain this is huge! Again HUGE! Hope this helps someone.

Replied By Emerica6708 (Austin, Tx Usa ) on 04/16/2011

Link between painkillers and acid reflux. Eight years ago I never had a problem with acid reflux, then I shattered my knee (top of the tibia to be exact.). The doctor prescribed me Norco 10/325mg for about four months (same as Lortab with less Tylenol) after that I had a horrible addiction to pain pills, six years later and I'm snorting six or seven 80mg OxyContin pills a day. Through that whole time I had acid reflux problems, every hour of everyday my throat burned, I drank alkaseltzer constantly and it would help for about an hour then it would come back. Anyway I've been clean for almost a year now and I still have acid reflux problems, I never knew that other people had the same problem after painkillers, but now I'm hoping that one day it will subside. Until then I'm gunna try raw ACV. Thanks for the tip.

Replied By Wayne (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) on 08/26/2011

I have been on 20 mg prilosec OTC for 18 months. PRescribed by an ER doctor after a trip to the ER thinking I had a heart attack and it was heartburn. I thought the Prilosec was like an antibiotic and would cure and then one could stop. I had no acid reflex but after 2 months I experienced it I refused to increase my dosage and in light of new report of PPI I am weaning myself off of it. I am now on 10 mg of Omesparsole every other day after 3 weeks of tapering down. Any suggestions. I have the DGL lozenges and will try the vinegar drink plus the honey. PPI have reduced my B 12 and must take supplements so have to get off the PPI. Any suggestions would help. Think twice before starting on PPI when a lesser treatment might work. H2 inhibitors have side effects as well but are more tolerable. Wayne

Replied By Skipple2 (Adelaide, Australia) on 05/31/2012

Hi everyone, I am an acid reflux sufferer and ACV with baking soda works like a dream. I think it's really important to keep an eye on what you eat, for instance coffee can cause reflux problems and also greasy, fatty foods. I also take Aloe Vera juice and ginger root capsules.

Replied By Suzie (Waco, Tx Usa) on 06/01/2012

About 9 yrs ago, I went through a health crisis that left me with a myriad of symptoms which 4 medical doctors could not explain. I was weak, rapid pulse, could hear my heart beat in my ears, eyes sensitive to light, joint pain, trouble sleeping to name a few.

The reason was finally discovered: I had lost over half of my blood due to daily aspiriin use for sinus headaches for a period of over 20 yrs. I had a blood transfusion and felt like a new person!

I had to undergo a colonoscopy and endoscopy as the doctors wanted to find a bleeding site, which they never did, but 3 days after the endoscopy I suffered my first episode of hearburn at the age of 61. It felt like a heart attack, major pain in my chest, jaw and back. My Dr admitted that I could have sufferred damage from the endoscopy and confirmed my thought as to the cause of the heartburn.

I decided to eliminate all foods that could trigger heartburn, eventually finding out about ACV, a special Amish recipe that included garlic and ginger juices and it helped a lot. I also have been taking licorice root extract, (with the glycerin removed as it can cause high blood pressure). I also take a digestive enzyme. My last episode of heartburn was in January. I feel sorry for anyone who struggles with this sometimes very painful condition but want to encourage everyone to keep seeking a natural cure and don't get discouraged if one thing doesn't work. Keep on keeping on. Blessings to all.

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