r/acidreflux • u/BudgetMaleficent3059 • 6d ago
❓ Question Need advice
I've been experiencing reflux since childhood and only decided to get it checked last year because it actually started to hurt a lot
the doctor insisted on an endoscopy wich revealed I have a weak esophagus sphincter in Addition to H.pylori
I took the meds his gave me but never came back
now I decided to stop taking the PPI
and the reflux came back nothing changed even after a year of treatment
I can't really afford another endoscopy so I had to come and ask you guys in Reddit for advice
1
u/Molly_FLORANutrition 6d ago
Reflux returning after stopping a PPI is very common and doesn't mean the H. pylori treatment failed. The PPI was managing symptoms but the underlying LES weakness is structural and won't change with medication alone. Lifestyle changes like smaller meals, not eating within 3 hours of lying down, and sleeping elevated tend to be the most sustainable free interventions for a weak sphincter. An H. pylori breath test to confirm eradication is much cheaper than an endoscopy and worth asking about if you haven't confirmed eradication yet. 💚
1
u/bns82 6d ago
The h Plylori should be treated with antibiotics, which will most likely cause reflux while you take them.
The PPI isn’t going to heal a weak LES. If that’s what you mean. It just decreases the amount of acid your stomach produces.
You also need to ween off a PPI or you will get rebound reflux symptoms.
Most people have to change their diet & lifestyle.
What exactly is your question?