Nexium (Esomeprazole): Keep Esophagus Health Under Control
Nexium is an oral drug that is used in patients with GTI problems, in particular, excessive acidity that affects esophagus. Read the article below to discover how esophagus health contributes to the quality of life and how Nexium helps in case of esophagus health problems.
Health Of The Esophagus: It’s More Important Than It Seems
The esophagus is about 25 centimeters long and is part of the gastrointestinal tract which is responsible for digestion. It is not a passive tube but is provided with two layers of muscles that pull together and relax with wave-like movements, thus actively transporting the food down from the pharynx to the stomach. This phase can take 5-15 seconds or more for solid food, depending on amount and texture. For drinks, it takes a second. The esophagus ends at the upper abdomen and the digestion then continues in the stomach.
A healthy person swallows approximately 600 times a day – 200 times in a vigilant state, 350 times during meals and 50 times at night. In order for us to swallow normally, an advanced interaction between many different muscles and nerves in the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus is required. Disturbances in this interaction are a common cause of dysphagia. So what happens when you swallow?
Swallowing is usually divided into three phases: the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases. In the oral phase, food and drink are processed together with saliva in the oral cavity and then form a bolus, which is then transported back to the pharynx. In the pharyngeal phase, bolus is passed through the pharynx to the esophagus, while the thrombus is closed in a reflex manner, so that it is only the passage to the stomach that is open. Bolus then continues to the stomach through the esophagus phase of the esophagus. While the oral phase is controlled by the will, the pharyngeal and esophageal phases are autonomous, that is, involuntary.
It is not only teeth, gums, tongue and jaws that work in the oral swallowing phase. You also need enough saliva that can moisturize and lubricate the mucous membranes and make it easier for the toy to slip into the pharynx. In addition, vision, taste and feeling contribute to swallowing normally. When the bolus has been processed in the mouth, it is carried back with the tongue back to the pharynx and triggers the pharyngeal swallowing phase. A brief breathing stop is then made automatically, because you cannot swallow and breathe simultaneously. Respiratory arrest protects against failure and lasts until bolus reaches the esophagus.
Normally, it takes 1-1.5 seconds for the food to flow from the oral cavity to the pharynx and esophagus. This initial phase of swallowing must usually work for the pharyngeal phase to trigger. After the bolus passed the pharynx, it continues to the stomach through the esophagus.
Key components of Nexium (Esomeprazole)
Nexium tablets contain the active ingredient magnesium esomeprazole, which belongs to the group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. The main active ingredient is also referred to as (S) -5-methoxy-2 – benzimidazole [(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrid-2-yl) methylsulfinyl]; Esomeprazolum. Below you will learn more about the fields of application and the mode of action of esomeprazole. If you would like to learn more, please also read the information on the drug groups proton pump inhibitor, means against excessive stomach acid, to which the active ingredient esomeprazole belongs.
How Does Nexium Help?
Magnesium esomeprazole is converted into the active ingredient esomeprazole in a special cell of the stomach. This blocks an enzyme in the stomach (proton pump), which is responsible for the formation of stomach acid. Nexium thus reduces the release of gastric acid.
It serves:
- for the treatment and long-term relapse prevention of inflammation and / or ulcers of the esophagus (medical term: reflux oesophagitis).
- for the treatment of acid eructation, heartburn (technical term: symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux), general abdominal discomfort and feeling of fullness.
- for the treatment of ulcers of the duodenum, which are related to Helicobacter pylori infection. Therapy takes place in combination with two antibiotics.
- for relapse prevention of duodenal and gastric ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Therapy takes place in combination with two antibiotics.
- for the healing of gastric ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs.
- for the prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers in high-risk patients taking nonsteroidal anti-rheumatic drugs.
- to treat excessive acid production including Zollinger Ellison syndrome (a diseased hormone production in the pancreas that causes excessive acid production, which can lead to ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract).
- for the prevention of rebleeding in gastric and duodenal ulcers after endoscopic treatment.
Nexium should be taken only on prescription and under the constant supervision of the doctor.
Nexium Side Effects And Ways To Avoid Them
A gastric acid-induced inflammation or ulcer can only be treated properly if you follow the instructions carefully discussed with your doctor. Patients taking Nexium as needed for the treatment of recurrent symptoms such as acid reflux or heartburn (symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux) should contact your doctor if symptoms change.
Nexium should not be taken if the hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients is known, as well as to hypersensitivity to other so-called proton pump inhibitors. Since there is no experience in the treatment of children younger than 1 year or weighing less than 10 kg, Nexium should not be used in such children. Nexium should not be taken in rare hereditary problems such as fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose utilization disorder or sucrose-isomaltose intolerance.
Other medicines may affect the effects of Nexium or be affected by the effects of Nexium. These include, for example, certain medicines for the treatment of HIV infection, tuberculosis, epilepsy, depression, fungal or gastrointestinal disorders, heart problems, sedatives and / or sleep medications, and blood thinners. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have other illnesses, allergies or if you are taking any other medicines (including OTC ones)!
Other medicines may affect the effects of Nexium or be affected by the effects of Nexium. These are, for example, certain medicines for the treatment of HIV infection, tuberculosis, epilepsy, depression, fungal or gastrointestinal disorders, heart problems, sedatives and / or hypnotics, blood thinners, certain organ transplant rejection agents and certain drugs against cancer.
Pro Tips For Nexium Users
If you take Nexium for more than 3 months, it is possible that the magnesium level in your blood may drop. A low magnesium level is noticeable by fatigue, involuntary muscle tension, confusion, cramping, dizziness and increased heart rate. If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor immediately. A low magnesium level can also lead to a decrease in blood potassium and calcium levels. Your doctor may perform regular blood tests to monitor your magnesium levels.
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