29.03.2024

How to get rid of heartburn

The diaphragm and muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, usually prevent heartburn. However, sometimes this muscle can relax and leave the food tube unprotected from stomach acid.

Heartburn is a disease in which the contents of the stomach move back and up into the food tube. The second name for this condition is gastrointestinal reflux.

In this article, we will talk about the ten most effective remedies for heartburn.

Heartburn can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Burning sensation behind the chest, neck and throat.
  • Taste changes.
  • Cough.
  • Hoarseness, which increases with eating, leaning forward and lying down.

Discomfort can last several hours, and sometimes develops into gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD can cause frequent heartburn, damage to the power tube, loss of blood and weight.

Effective remedies for heartburn

There are a number of measures you can take to prevent and treat the symptoms of heartburn. However, not all remedies are effective or safe for everyone, therefore it is better to make a decision on treatment together with a doctor.

Simple and affordable treatments for heartburn include:

  • To give up smoking. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
  • The choice of comfortable clothing. Wear loose clothing to prevent unnecessary pressure on your stomach.
  • Prescription drugs. If you have heartburn, consult a doctor to help you find the right medicine for you.
  • Weight control. Overweight or obese people say that weight loss has helped them reduce or completely eliminate the symptoms of heartburn. This will require a weight loss program, including diet and exercise.
  • Sleep with a raised head. Raising the head during sleep will allow gravity to reduce the symptoms of heartburn. Try inserting special wedges between the mattress and the spring of the bed to raise the angle of the head. Pillows are not effective in reducing the symptoms of heartburn.
  • OTC drugs. OTC drugs are also available to relieve symptoms. Your doctor may recommend antacids, acid reducing agents, including famotidine or ranitidine, or acid blockers such as lansoprazole and omeprazole.
  • Herbal supplements. The use of some herbal preparations can also be beneficial, namely: licorice, slippery elm, marshmallow, chamomile. However, before using any supplements, it is important to discuss with your doctor potential side effects and drug interactions.
  • Acupuncture. Despite limited evidence to support this method, acupuncture may be helpful in relieving symptoms of heartburn in some people.
  • Relaxation. Stress and tension can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, including heartburn. Relaxation techniques, such as gradual muscle relaxation, meditation, or yoga, can ease most of them.
  • Making changes to the diet. There are certain food triggers that can affect the occurrence and severity of heartburn. People with heartburn should avoid the following foods: spicy or fatty foods, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, tomato products, garlic, mint, alcohol, sodas. In addition, it is important to sit upright for 3 hours after eating.
When to see a doctor?

We recommend that you call a doctor immediately if you or any of your loved ones have the following symptoms:

  • Severe vomiting.
  • Green, yellow, or bloody vomit or vomit that resembles coffee grounds.
  • Shortness of breath after vomiting.
  • Pain in the mouth or throat while eating.
  • Painful or difficulty swallowing.
Conditions that increase the risk of heartburn

Factors that increase the risk of developing GERD include:

  • Pregnancy.
  • Hiatal hernia.
  • Smoking and secondhand smoke.
  • Obesity.
  • Certain medical conditions, including dry mouth, asthma, delayed gastric emptying, and scleroderma.
  • Some medications, for example, treat asthma, allergies, pain, high blood pressure, depression, and insomnia.
  • Food irritants including alcohol, caffeine, sodas, chocolate and acidic foods, as well as juices.

Possible complications of heartburn include ulcers, bleeding, and GERD. Changes can also occur in the cells of the food pipe, leading to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of food pipe cancer. Therefore, it is important to monitor all changes in the body, and consult a doctor on time.

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