My son (17 years old) has had acid reflux for many years. He has been on Nexium and is now on Zegrid. He was diagnosed with LPR and is sometimes so bad he has been out of school three weeks at a time. He has been taking Zegrid for quite a while and a few days ago I noticed he has been coughing alot and clearing his throat which with him is usually a sign of reflux. I asked him if he has been taking his Zegrid and he told me that he stopped taking it about a month ago. He just stopped on his own because he does not want to take it anymore. He is a teenager and has that I don't care attitude. I am so upset.I do not know what to do. I do not want him to get sick. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Q: Why is my teenage son refusing to take his Reflux medicine?
Answers (2)
1/ 6/09 6:20am
Hello Deb,
I have two teens with reflux and asthma and I we have these discussions about taking medication periodically.It is common. I think teens have a hard time understanding how the medication works. We are used to taking medication in response to symptoms (fever reducer medicine for a fever, etc). It is harder to understand that some medications reduce and prevent symptoms.
I wrote a few blogs about teens. You might want to search this site for some other articles. It might help to have an appt with the doctor who prescribed the Zegrid and review the symptoms and treatment plan. Some medications need to be taken every day while others can be taken as needed. Your son needs to talk directly with the doctor about his concerns. Likewise, the doctor needs to talk directly with your son and develop a workable plan of action.
Good luck!
Jan Gambino
The Reflux Mom
1/ 5/09 9:14pm
Deb,
Perhaps your son doesn't like the side effects. Most drugs don't cure, but mask the symptoms and often times the cure is worse than the disease! Have you heard of ionized/alkalized water. I have a water filter machine that also ionizes and alkalizes my tap water. Acid reflux is exactly that. Too much acid in the body. It is a very common ailment in the U.S., but we call it by many names because it shows itself in many different conditions in the body. Think arthritis, obesity, fibromyalgia, acid reflux!! All due to tissue acid toxcity. Take some time and research this subject!! You will love yourself for it and so will your Son!!
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By Deb— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 01/05/09
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