Most people have stomach acid reflux at some time in their lives, either as heartburn or acid regurgitation. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last as long as 2 hours and is often worse after eating.

People who eat too fast or fail to chew their food adequately may experience symptoms of indigestion or heartburn. Spicy foods, coffee and cola drinks are other common causes. To minimize heartburn I recommend avoiding large meals. Try and break your food intake into smaller, more manageable portions, and refrain from eating immediately prior to going to bed.

Heartburn that occurs regularly may be a sign of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Another related cause of heartburn is hiatal hernia, in which a small portion of the stomach protrudes through the sphincter muscle in the stomach. However, many people who experience heartburn do not have a hiatus hernia.

If heartburn or acid regurgitations are rare, medicines bought from a chemist such as antacids can be used. Self-treatment of heartburn and acid indigestion is easier and more effective than ever before, thanks to super-potency antacids and the new H2 blockers.

Peptrol should be used for the relief of simple heartburn, acid indigestion, esophagus irritation, soothing of ulcers, gerd and stomach upset. Antacids and acid reducers, which have long been readily available are used for the relief of acute heartburn symptoms. Prevacid can give you up to 24 hours, day and night relief from heartburn associated with acid reflux disease. Some people also claim great results from natural methods and herbs.

When treating indigestion or heartburn, herbs may gently do all things synthetic drugs claim to do. Since heartburn sometimes involves reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile may also be useful. It is also claimed that eating several almonds can relieve heartburn and eating lemons or lemon rind before meals is another suggestion.

Many women experience heartburn for the first time during pregnancy and though it is common and harmless, it can be quite uncomfortable. Twenty-five percent of pregnant women experience daily heartburn, and more than 50 percent have occasional distress. During pregnancy, the medical treatment of reflux should be balanced to alleviate the symptoms of heartburn, while protecting the developing fetus.

If you experience frequent or very severe heartburn, or if non prescription medications do not work for you, consult your doctor immediately.

Author Antony Wilton is a regular contributor on Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease at his popular site http://www.acidrefluxheartburn.com