Gaviscon DA effectively neutralizes acidTwo placebo-controlled crossover studies in healthy subjects to evaluate gastric acid neutralization by an alginate-antacid formulation (Gaviscon Double Action).
High relevance for reflux treatments
We explored how Gaviscon Double Action, a combination of alginate and antacid, affects gastric acid levels. In a carefully designed crossover study, we monitored intragastric pH in healthy volunteers after administering Gaviscon DA versus a placebo.
The results showed a clear advantage for Gaviscon DA, with pH levels reaching 4 or higher nearly 47% of the time, compared to just 5% for the placebo. This confirms that Gaviscon DA effectively neutralizes gastric acid, enhancing the understanding of how its components work together for reflux relief.
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Calcium's role in reflux unclearThe Tibetan Formula Cong zhi 6 in the ORL (ENT) Practice: Experiences with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.
Calcium not specifically isolated
We explored the effects of a multi-herbal Tibetan formula known as Cong zhi 6, which includes calcium carbonate, on individuals suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Our focus was to understand whether calcium plays a role in alleviating reflux symptoms.
In our examination of ten patients who took Cong zhi 6, we observed significant improvements in both reflux symptoms as measured by the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and findings from laryngoscopy assessed via the Reflux Finding Score (RFS). While the results were promising, they did not isolate the specific impact of calcium.
Consequently, we cannot affirmatively state that calcium alone has a beneficial effect on reflux. The study indicated that LPR symptoms improved overall, but we remain uncertain about calcium's individual efficacy in this context. This highlights the need for further research to pinpoint the mechanisms at play in reducing reflux symptoms.
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Banxia Houpu Decoction shows promiseEfficacy evaluation and exploratory analysis of influencing factors of Banxia Houpu Decoction in the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease.
High relevance for GERD treatments
We evaluated how Banxia Houpu Decoction, a traditional Chinese remedy, can help patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD). In our study involving 89 patients, we compared this decoction to standard Western treatments, including proton pump inhibitors with added magnesium aluminum carbonate.
Results showed that the decoction significantly improved throat burning, swallowing difficulties, and hiccups more effectively than Western treatments. However, the Western medicine group had better relief for heartburn and gastric burning sensations.
Factors like age and gastroesophageal flap valve grade also impacted treatment effectiveness.
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We examined the role of magnesium alginate in treating laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which causes symptoms like voice issues, swallowing difficulties, and coughing. In a study involving 100 outpatients, patients were treated with alginate for two months, visiting at the start and then at 15, 30, and 60 days.
The results were promising, showing a significant reduction in all symptoms assessed. This suggests that magnesium alginate could be a safe and effective alternative for managing LPR, especially for those who cannot fully rely on conventional treatments like proton pump inhibitors.
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We aimed to observe how effective Weisu granules are on laryngopharyngeal reflux by randomly assigning 180 patients into three groups.
The experimental group received a combination of Lanqin oral solution and Weisu granules, while the control groups used either Lanqin alone or Esomeprazole with Lanqin.
After four weeks, the experimental group showed a remarkable 91.7% improvement, much higher than the 73.3% in control group A. Although the experimental group differed significantly from control group A, results were similar to control group B, indicating no major advantage over Esomeprazole.
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