Heartburn Treatment

On this page you will learn about heartburn treatment options, the causes of acid reflux and the symptoms you may experience.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (muscular valve) doesn't properly close allowing acid from the stomach to reflux back up the esophagus which can cause burning of the esophageal lining.

Acid reflux is a burning sensation usually in the chest area just behind the breast bone. Acid reflux is often more painful when bending over or lying down.

It is not something to be concerned about if you have heartburn occasionally. It can be treated easily with over-the-counter medications and making some lifestyle changes.

• Hiatal Hernia
  
  
• Diabetes
  
  
• Autoimmune diseases, such as Crest syndrome, scleroderma and Raynaud phenomenon.

• Certain blood pressure medications.
  
  
• Some heart medications.
  
  
• The asthma drug, theophylline.
  
  
• Some osteoporosis medications.
  
  
• Aspirin and ibuprofen.

Heartburn that occurs more frequently and interferes with your daily routine may be a symptom that is more serious. It's a good idea to see your doctor and discuss your symptoms.

• Burning pain in the chest.
  
  
• Abnormal belching.
  
  
• Pain that worsens when bending over or lying down.
  
  
• Difficulty swallowing.
  
  
• Chronic sore throat.
  
  
• Bad taste in the mouth.
  
  
• Inflammation of the gums.
  
  
• Tooth enamel erosion.

Please note: chest pain due to heartburn and chest pain due to heart problems are difficult to distinguish between, therefore, it is important to get all chest pain evaluated immediately by your doctor.

There are many medications that you can find over-the-counter that can help relieve the pain of acid reflux, these include:

• Anti-acids that help neutralize stomach acid, such as Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta and Maalox, and can provide quick pain relief.
  
  
• Drugs that can reduce acid production, H-2-receptor blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) or ranitidine (Zantac). These blockers help provide longer relief but are not as quick acting as anti-acids.
  
  
• Drugs that control acid production and can heal the esophageal lining are called proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec) .

Make sure you read and follow the instructions on all medications. If these over-the-counter treatments do not work or you feel you are using them too often, check with your doctor.

• Alcohol
  
  
• Coffee
  
  
• Orange Juice
  
  
• Soft drinks
  
  
• Black pepper
  
  
• Chocolate
  
  
• Peppermint
  
  
• Fatty foods
  
  
• Fried foods
  
  
• Ketchup
  
  
• Mustard
  
  
• Tomato Sauce
  
  
• Vinegar

• Avoid certain foods that trigger your heartburn.
  
  
• Eat smaller portions of food.
  
  
• Keep your weight down.
  
  
• Don't eat late at night.
  
  
• Avoid lying down after you have eaten.
  
  
• If you smoke, stop smoking.
  
  
• When sleeping, elevate your body from the waist up, using a wedge pillow.
  
  
• Avoid wearing clothing that fits too tightly around your waist.

Children and teenagers are also at risk for developing acid reflux disease (GERD) due to an increase in poor diet and obesity.