Dr. Eisner answers your GERD questions

Q: What pain medications are recommended for people with acid reflux disease considering NSAID's tend to cause esophagitis?

A: NSAID's and other aspirin-containing medications can cause esophagitis, gastritis and duodenitis, as well as esophageal, gastric and duodenal ulcers. Alternative treatment with Tylenol or other acetaminophen-containing products are usually recommended. Frequently, however, patients with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions need something stronger. You should check with your physician to see if a narcotic, such as Ultram, Percocet or Darvocet is the right choice for you. This may not be a wise drug class if you are elderly, or if it affects your driving or ability to work. These drugs also tend to cause constipation. It is best to discuss all options with your primary physician, and possibly even a specialist such as a rheumatologist or orthopedist -- you may have other treatment options avaliable.

Q: Can duodenitis with Brunner's gland hyperplasia be caused by food allergies?

A: No. Brunner's glands are benign, tumor-like growths in the duodenum. They are usually asymptomatic and found at the time of endoscopy. Very rarely, they have been reported to cause symptoms of obstruction or bleeding. The cause remains unclear, but is felt to be related to either excess acid or possibly even an H. pylori infection. There is a slight increased incidence in patients with kidney disease and cystic fibrosis. There is no reported association with food allergies.

We hope you find this general medical and health information useful, but this Q&A is meant to support AND not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. For all personal medical and health matters, including decisions about diagnoses, medications and other treatment options, you should always consult your doctor.