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How To Treat Heartburn?
Mostly in good health as a 68-year-old woman who does not smoke or drink. Having bad heartburn on a regular basis. For past 3 days I ve eaten plain jello, rye bread wi butter, a Shaklee all natural hydrating drink (goes down well) and beef or chicken broth plus small bites of a protein bar. Suggestions?
Mon, 1 Jun 2020
Hi,
Brief answer: A combination of lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapy can help treat acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD).
Detailed answer: Heartburn is a symptom of acid refluxing from the stomach and into the esophagus.
Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based on reducing the amount of acid made by the stomach and decreasing reflux. Some lifestyle modifications to help treat GERD are avoidance of triggers of acid reflux such as spicy foods, caffeine (eg, coffee, tea, chocolate), and alcohol.
I also advise patients to wait a few hours after eating before lying down to go to bed. You may also try elevating the head of your bed to allow gravity to keep the acid fluid in your stomach.
Pharmacologic therapy including proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as omeprazole can help reduce the amount of acid made by the stomach. Omeprazole is available over the counter.
This drug is taken with water in the morning on an empty stomach for 4 - 12 weeks to allow sufficient time to relieve symptoms. For more immediate relief antacids such as calcium bicarbonate or ranitidine (an H2 blocker) can be taken.
Sometimes when the heart does not get enough oxygen, it can cause a heartburn sensation. So it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that they can better evaluate you and rule out heart disease.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Shapiro
Brief answer: A combination of lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapy can help treat acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD).
Detailed answer: Heartburn is a symptom of acid refluxing from the stomach and into the esophagus.
Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based on reducing the amount of acid made by the stomach and decreasing reflux. Some lifestyle modifications to help treat GERD are avoidance of triggers of acid reflux such as spicy foods, caffeine (eg, coffee, tea, chocolate), and alcohol.
I also advise patients to wait a few hours after eating before lying down to go to bed. You may also try elevating the head of your bed to allow gravity to keep the acid fluid in your stomach.
Pharmacologic therapy including proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as omeprazole can help reduce the amount of acid made by the stomach. Omeprazole is available over the counter.
This drug is taken with water in the morning on an empty stomach for 4 - 12 weeks to allow sufficient time to relieve symptoms. For more immediate relief antacids such as calcium bicarbonate or ranitidine (an H2 blocker) can be taken.
Sometimes when the heart does not get enough oxygen, it can cause a heartburn sensation. So it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that they can better evaluate you and rule out heart disease.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Shapiro
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