What Medical Conditions Can Omeprazole Treat?

Omeprazole is a medication used in treatment of acid-related diseases such as reflux or dyspepsia. It is also recommended for healing and prevention of stomach ulcers and other gastro-esophageal conditions. The medication comes in various dosages, and it may be combined with other prescriptions in the form of injections, capsules and tablets.

Certain amounts of acid are produced within the stomach cavity to aid with digestion and processing of the food. A healthy body creates an effective mucosal barrier to protect the delicate lining of the stomach. Excess acid breaks through the barrier causing ulcers, chronic inflammations and other serious afflictions. The condition is often noticed in patients who take excessive amounts of aspirin or ibuprofen related drugs, and it can be successfully prevented and monitored by administration of appropriate doses of Omeprazole.

Omeprazole should be always taken with an advice from a qualified medical provider as this type of medication may not be suitable for everybody. Persons with certain conditions may be prescribed other alternative remedies. Here are some of the important reasons why medical monitoring is important when taking Omeprazole:

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Sudden weight loss

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Blood loss

  • Allergic reactions

  • Liver problems

  • Use of complimentary or herbal medicines which may have adverse effects

The most known side effects may include upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea and headaches. If any of the symptoms occur, the patient is advised to seek immediate medical help to avoid any further complications. Most of the side effects are mild and can be quickly remedied.

The length of treatment depends on the severity and type of the gastric condition. For mild illnesses, such as H. pylori, the therapy is typically recommended for two weeks. In more severe conditions, such as ulcers, Omeprazole may be prescribed for as long as two months or longer if the symptoms still persist. The patient is fully instructed by their doctor on how to appropriately take this medication until the desired results are achieved.

Certain types of food may aggravate the condition. These generally include the following:

  • Coffee

  • Alcohol

  • Spicy foods

  • Hot beverages

  • Sodas

  • High-acid drinks such as orange juice

  • Large meals should be avoided

In addition, smoking should also be evaded as the activity produces undesirable amounts of acid and increases the risk of additional inflammation while slowing down the process of healing.

Omeprazole works effectively for many patients suffering from the diseases of the stomach and the esophagus. Its ultimate role is to reduce the amount of the acid present while preventing, healing and repairing the damaged tissues. Over-the-counter products are available, but if self-medicating, it is recommended to first consult with the doctor and become educated about pros and cons of taking this type of medication.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-2250-OMEPRAZOLE+DELAYED+RELEASE+TABLET+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=3766&drugname=omeprazole+oral&source=0&pagenumber=4

http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/Omeprazole.htm

http://www.drugs.com/omeprazole.htmlOmeprazole is a medication used in treatment of acid-related diseases such as reflux or dyspepsia. It is also recommended for healing and prevention of stomach ulcers and other gastro-esophageal conditions. The medication comes in various dosages, and it may be combined with other prescriptions in the form of injections, capsules and tablets.

Certain amounts of acid are produced within the stomach cavity to aid with digestion and processing of the food. A healthy body creates an effective mucosal barrier to protect the delicate lining of the stomach. Excess acid breaks through the barrier causing ulcers, chronic inflammations and other serious afflictions. The condition is often noticed in patients who take excessive amounts of aspirin or ibuprofen related drugs, and it can be successfully prevented and monitored by administration of appropriate doses of Omeprazole.

Omeprazole should be always taken with an advice from a qualified medical provider as this type of medication may not be suitable for everybody. Persons with certain conditions may be prescribed other alternative remedies. Here are some of the important reasons why medical monitoring is important when taking Omeprazole:

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Sudden weight loss

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Blood loss

  • Allergic reactions

  • Liver problems

  • Use of complimentary or herbal medicines which may have adverse effects

The most known side effects may include upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea and headaches. If any of the symptoms occur, the patient is advised to seek immediate medical help to avoid any further complications. Most of the side effects are mild and can be quickly remedied.

The length of treatment depends on the severity and type of the gastric condition. For mild illnesses, such as H. pylori, the therapy is typically recommended for two weeks. In more severe conditions, such as ulcers, Omeprazole may be prescribed for as long as two months or longer if the symptoms still persist. The patient is fully instructed by their doctor on how to appropriately take this medication until the desired results are achieved.

Certain types of food may aggravate the condition. These generally include the following:

  • Coffee

  • Alcohol

  • Spicy foods

  • Hot beverages

  • Sodas

  • High-acid drinks such as orange juice

  • Large meals should be avoided

In addition, smoking should also be evaded as the activity produces undesirable amounts of acid and increases the risk of additional inflammation while slowing down the process of healing.

Omeprazole works effectively for many patients suffering from the diseases of the stomach and the esophagus. Its ultimate role is to reduce the amount of the acid present while preventing, healing and repairing the damaged tissues. Over-the-counter products are available, but if self-medicating, it is recommended to first consult with the doctor and become educated about pros and cons of taking this type of medication.


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The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.