Dealing With Heartburn
Heartburn occurs when there is an abnormal backflow of stomach
juices into the esophagus, the tube that leads from the mouth to
the stomach. The backflow or reflux causes a feeling of burning,
warmth, or heat beneath the breastbone. The discomfort may
spread in waves upward into your neck and you may get a sour
taste in your mouth.
Heartburn can last up to 2 hours or longer. Symptoms often start
after you eat. They grow worse when you lie down or bend over
and improve when you sit or stand up.
Don't be concerned if you have heartburn now and then; nearly
everyone does. Following the home treatment tips can prevent
most cases of heartburn. However, if backflow of stomach acid
into your esophagus happens regularly, you may have gastro
esophageal reflux disease called GERD.
GERD can cause continuous irritation of the lining of the
esophagus which can lead to other health problems. It is
important to visit a health professional if you have frequent
heartburn and home treatments do not relieve the discomfort.
Home Remedies
Try other home remedies before taking antacids or stomach acid
reducers to relieve heartburn. If you take medications to
relieve your heartburn without doing other home treatments your
heartburn will likely return. If your symptoms cannot be
relieved by home treatments or if they last more than 2 weeks
see your doctor.
Eat smaller meals and do not have late night snacks. Do not lie
down for 2 to 3 hours after eating. Avoid heartburn foods like
chocolate, fatty foods, fried foods, peppermint, spearmint,
coffee, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, carbonated drinks Limit
acidic foods that can irritate your esophagus. These include
citrus fruits and juices like orange juice or tomato juice.
Avoid spicy foods. Avoid clothes that have tight belts or tight
waistbands. Stop smoking. Smoking promoted heartburn. If you are
overweight loose weight. If you get heartburn at night raise
your head 15 to 20 cm. Use blocks or foam wedges. Avoid aspirin,
ibuprofen, naproxen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs that can
cause heartburn. Acetaminophen is much easier on the stomach
Take over the counter heartburn products such as Maalox,
Mylanta, Tums, Gelusil to neutralize stomach acids. Take stomach
acid reducers such as Pepcid AC, Tagemet HB, and Zantac 75. Ask
your pharmacist to help choose a product then follow the package
instructions or your doctors advice. When To Call 911:
Pain in the upper abdomen with chest pain that is crushing or
squeezing and feels like a heavy weight on your chest which
could be symptoms of heart attack. Signs of shock Call Your
Doctor If:
There is blood in your vomit You suspect that a medication is
causing your heartburn. Antihistamine, antianxiety medications,
and anti-inflammatory drugs including Aspirin, ibuprofen, and
naproxen can cause heartburn If you routinely have pain when you
swallow solid foods. If you are losing weight and don't know
why. If heartburn persists for more than 2 weeks despite home
treatments. If symptoms are severe and not relieved by antacids
or stomach acid reducers you should see your doctor sooner.