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How to treat heartburn symptoms

Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is a burning sensation in the middle of your chest that gets worse when you bend over or lie down. It usually occurs after eating and at night. It is caused by reflux. Reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the food pipe (esophagus), causing inflammation. Illness is considered when symptoms occur more than 2 times per week.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestion condition that allows stomach acid to move up the esophagus due to a weakening of the muscle at the point where the esophagus ends and the stomach begins. GERD often interferes with routine daily activities and causes damage to the esophagus.

Symptoms include heartburn, vomiting or spitting up blood, a bitter taste in the mouth, a burning sensation in the chest, chest pain, a dry cough, a sore throat, pain when swallowing, and a hoarse voice.

Complications of GERD include scarring of the esophagus, bleeding in the stomach or esophagus, and ulcer formation in the esophagus or stomach. Risk factors for GERD include eating spicy or

hot foods, alcohol, soft drinks, caffeine, fatty foods, gassy foods (certain vegetables), pregnancy, obesity, smokers, and people with abdominal hernias.

Treatment for GERD includes the following:

Antacids help neutralize stomach acids, but they do not treat inflammation of the esophagus. Excessive use can cause constipation and diarrhea.

Gaviscon

Turns

Maalox

Mylanta

rollable

Histamine-2 (H2) blockers reduce the production of acid in the stomach. It may not be as good for treating esophagitis (inflammation that occurs in the esophagus). Histamine stimulates acid production, especially after meals, so it’s best to take H2 blockers 30 minutes before meals. They can also be taken at bedtime to suppress nocturnal acid production. Examples of prescription H2 blockers:

Nizatidine (Axid)

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Ranitidine (Zantac)

These medications are helpful in relieving heartburn, but may not be as good for treating esophagitis (inflammation that occurs in the esophagus). Side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, gas, sore throat, runny nose, and dizziness.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that block acid production more effectively and for a longer period of time than H2 blockers. PPIs are best taken one hour before meals. They include:

Rabeprazole (Aciphex)

Esomeprazole (Nexium)

Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

Omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid)

Pantoprazole (Protonix)

Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)

Many doctors do not believe that one drug is more effective than the others in treating GERD. These medications are also good at protecting the esophagus from acid so that the esophageal inflammation can heal. Side effects can include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, nausea, and gas.

home care

Avoid eating foods and drinks that trigger heartburn. Fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, citrus (pineapple, strawberries), vinegar, foods that can cause gas (peppers, cabbage), and Caffeine can make heartburn worse. Don’t overeat. Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Do not lie down after a meal and wait 2 to 3 hours after eating before lying down or bending over. Raise the head of your bed. Do not smoke. Avoid medications that can irritate your stomach, such as NSAIDs (Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen). Weight loss can help reduce abdominal pressure that pushes acid into the esophagus. Avoid wearing tight clothing

Seek medical attention if symptoms occur more than 2 times a week and over-the-counter medications do not help, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss.

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