Heartburn is typically treatable at home with over-the-counter drugs and adjustments to the lifestyle patterns that cause it. Heartburn is a common occurrence that is generally not severe. However, if you experience regular or severe heartburn, you should visit your physician. This might indicate the presence of a persistent ailment such as GERD. Other risky disorders, including esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and even cancer, can develop due to Frisco GERD. Your doctor may order an endoscopy to look for underlying pharmaceutical side effects. An endoscopy is a lighted, flexible device used to examine your digestive tract. Antacids and acid blockers are prevalent over-the-counter remedies for heartburn.
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What does it feel like to have heartburn?
Heartburn is defined by a burning feeling in the middle of your chest, just beneath your breastbone. Also, you may experience the following symptoms if you have heartburn:
- A burning feeling in the chest that might continue from a few minutes to several hours.
- You feel pain in your chest if you lie down or bend over.
- A burning feeling in your throat.
- You feel there is a spicy, sour, acidic, or salty taste in the back of your throat.
- Swallowing problems.
Triggers of heartburn
Many various items that you encounter daily might cause heartburn. Many people have heartburn as a result of their food and lifestyle alternatives. These patterns might include consuming huge amounts of food, eating too close to bedtime, or even being under stress. For some individuals, specific meals and drinks might also cause heartburn. Some meals and beverages that may cause heartburn include:
- Citrus fruits.
- High-fat foods.
- Citrus juices.
- Caffeinated beverages.
- Carbonated beverages.
- Tomato-based products.
How long does heartburn last?
People are affected by heartburn in different ways. Heartburn symptoms usually appear immediately after eating and can last anywhere from a few minutes to many hours, if not longer. The underlying cause determines the length of time you have symptoms. It also relies on what you do when symptoms first appear. Heartburn sensations, for example, might linger until your body digests the triggering meal. If you stand up instead of resting down after eating, it will go away. If you use over-the-counter antacids or prescription drugs as part of a treatment plan, your heartburn symptoms may last less time or be less severe.
How do antacids work in the treatment of heartburn?
Antacids work by neutralizing the acid generated by your stomach. They give immediate and temporary relief from heartburn symptoms. H2 blockers and PPIs, which lower or block stomach acid, are not the same as antacids. They are not meant to be used regularly. You should take antacids soon after eating or whenever you have symptoms. Antacids can be taken as a liquid, pill, or gummy. The majority of them contain calcium, aluminum, or magnesium.
Heartburn is a pretty common occurrence. However, if you have persistent and severe heartburn, it might be a sign of GERD, a chronic acid reflux disease. If you get heartburn regularly, you should speak with your doctor for a diagnosis. Call The Bariatric Experts or book a consultation to learn more about heartburn.
