Heartburn Symptoms: How To Deal With Them
Heartburn is often characterized by a burning sensation in the chest that worsens when bending over or lying down. Most people experience occasional symptoms. Heartburn symptoms normally manifest by feeling a burning pain in the chest which usually occurs shortly after a person has eaten. When this happens to you, do not panic. Heartburn is a normal occurrence. However, it is a different story if you are experiencing frequent symptoms, as it can be a sign of something more serious. The person who suffers from frequent symptoms should consult a qualified health professional.
Heartburn symptoms are caused by stomach acid backing into the esophagus. There are many over-the-counter options for relieving symptoms. Antacids are the most common medications for fighting symptoms. Antacids include products such as Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, and Mylanta. They provide quick relief for the person suffering from heartburn. In addition, you can also take medications that control or reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac are examples of this type of medication. While these H-2-receptor blockers provide longer relief from symptoms, they do not take effect quickly. Further, another option that you can choose to combat heartburn symptoms is taking a proton pump inhibitor. This type of medication blocks acid production and helps the tissue in the esophagus heal. Examples of proton pump inhibitors are Prevacid and Prilosec. For people who wish to deal with symptoms in a more natural way, losing weight may help. A little exercise can go a long way.
Finally, take note that extra pounds can press on the abdomen, which pushes the stomach up and forces acid to back into the esophagus. Figuring out the foods that trigger heartburn can also be important. The person who knows which foods cause heartburn symptoms to occur can avoid those foods in the future. Aside from avoiding foods that trigger heartburn symptoms, it would also help if you avoid nicotine because smoking generally decreases the esophagus's ability to properly function. Losing weight, eating better, and cutting out nicotine and alcohol can lead to a better life without any heartburn symptoms.
Heartburn symptoms are caused by stomach acid backing into the esophagus. There are many over-the-counter options for relieving symptoms. Antacids are the most common medications for fighting symptoms. Antacids include products such as Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, and Mylanta. They provide quick relief for the person suffering from heartburn. In addition, you can also take medications that control or reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac are examples of this type of medication. While these H-2-receptor blockers provide longer relief from symptoms, they do not take effect quickly. Further, another option that you can choose to combat heartburn symptoms is taking a proton pump inhibitor. This type of medication blocks acid production and helps the tissue in the esophagus heal. Examples of proton pump inhibitors are Prevacid and Prilosec. For people who wish to deal with symptoms in a more natural way, losing weight may help. A little exercise can go a long way.
Finally, take note that extra pounds can press on the abdomen, which pushes the stomach up and forces acid to back into the esophagus. Figuring out the foods that trigger heartburn can also be important. The person who knows which foods cause heartburn symptoms to occur can avoid those foods in the future. Aside from avoiding foods that trigger heartburn symptoms, it would also help if you avoid nicotine because smoking generally decreases the esophagus's ability to properly function. Losing weight, eating better, and cutting out nicotine and alcohol can lead to a better life without any heartburn symptoms.
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