What Causes Severe Heartburn?

Posted on Sat, 24 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 24 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have heartburn since my late 30th....I do eat spicy food and drink some time.....my heartburn usully when I go to bed or wake me up during the night what can I do to solve that problem I am a 46 year old women thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Your symptoms are typical for oatients with heart burn or acid reflux disease.

If you were my patient I would recommend as follows in order to relieve your symptoms:
- A Complete gastrointestinal evaluation with abdominal ultrasound and upper endoscopy to determine the most accurate treatment.
- Avoid consuming coffee, carbonated and energy drinks.
- Reduce alcohol intake to less than one drink per day
- Quit smoking
- Avoid laying down at bed directly after eating (wait at least three hours)
- Use antacids (gaviscon)
- Use PPIs (prilosec) two tablets per day

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
p.s: Ifyou have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar