Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach). This acid reflux causes a burning sensation in the chest, commonly known as heartburn. While mild cases can be managed at home, frequent or severe heartburn may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires medical attention.
Symptoms of Heartburn
- Burning pain in the chest, especially after eating or lying down.
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to stomach acid rising into the throat.
- Return (vomiting) of stomach contents into the mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food is “stuck” in the throat.
- Persistent cough or sore throat.
Heartburn Treatments
Some substances are known to relax the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing acid to move up. These include alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Though these may be difficult to give up, this is the first step to improving your symptoms. Your medical provider may be able to help if you need help to quit smoking or drinking. Other lifestyle adjustments include:
- Wait 2-3 hours after eating before lying down to prevent acid backflow. If needed, raise the head of your bed so that you’re sleeping with your head higher than your stomach.
- Avoid trigger foods: Spicy, fatty, or fried foods may worsen heartburn. Take note of trigger foods and try to avoid them.
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to reduce pressure on the stomach.
- Manage stress, as anxiety can cause physical changes in digestion which can cause reflux.
- Avoid medications that can be hard on the stomach lining, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
- Cut back on carbonated beverages, as they may possibly distend the stomach, causing reflux.
- Eat smaller meals: Large meals increase stomach pressure, leading to acid reflux.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
- Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid to relieve discomfort but do not address the root cause of acid reflux.
- Examples: Tums, Rolaids, MyLanta, Alka-Seltzer.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid production, typically used for more chronic cases such as GERD.
- Examples: Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium, Prevacid.
- H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers): Also reduce stomach acid, but work faster than PPIs.
- Examples: Pepcid, Zantac, Axid.
Note: OTC medications are generally for short-term relief or occasional use. It is best to consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
When to See a Healthcare Provider:
- Frequent or persistent heartburn.
- Heartburn not relieved by home treatments or OTC medications.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath, which may indicate a serious condition.
- Unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or symptoms affecting daily activities.
For bloody vomiting or bloody or black stool (poop), seek emergency help, as this may be a sign of internal bleeding.
Many people experience heartburn. Our team at Northfield + Hospitals and Clinic will help find the best treatment for you. Make an appointment with Family Medicine.