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How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?
Conditions & Treatments

Stop Frequent Heartburn this Summer

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Barbecue season is the time of the year when people experience frequent heartburn symptoms the most, according to a recent survey by Wakefield Research for P&G, which brings you Prilosec OTC(R). The survey revealed that many frequent heartburn sufferers – those who experience heartburn two or more days per week – are not treating symptoms as effectively as possible, and there is a general lack of understanding about heartburn and available treatments. Stop Frequent Heartburn this Summer
One of the top misconceptions is that all over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatments are the same. Although frequent heartburn symptoms can be reduced with antacids or H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors are indicated specifically for frequent heartburn. There are important differences among the available therapies:
* Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) treat frequent heartburn by shutting down many of the acid pumps in the stomach and stopping symptoms before they start. Effects can last 24 hours.
* Histamine2 (H2) blockers partially block production of acid in the stomach. The effect of H2 blockers generally lasts six to 12 hours.
* Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and provide relatively rapid but short-term relief of heartburn symptoms lasting one to three hours.
Two myths many believe are that drinking milk can help relieve symptoms and that weight gain has no impact on frequent heartburn. In actuality, a glass of milk increases one’s acid production (like any food) and maintaining a healthy weight is one key to treating heartburn.
Dr. Su Sachar, gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, says that sufferers do not have to accept frequent heartburn as “normal.”
“One way to treat frequent heartburn is to take a medication that can help block the acid that causes heartburn, so you don’t get it in the first place,” Dr. Sachar observed. “It’s possible that, while taking just one pill a day as directed, a 14-day course of Prilosec OTC can control, and in many cases, eliminate frequent heartburn symptoms. Prilosec OTC may take one to four days for full effect and should not be taken for more than 14 days or more often than every four months unless directed by a doctor. It is not intended for immediate relief.”
People can take measures to avoid heartburn symptoms this summer. Dr. Sachar offers the following tips for those suffering from frequent heartburn:
* Get educated. One of the best defenses is to arm yourself with information. With all the over-the-counter medications available, my patients are often overwhelmed and don’t know what is right for them. Additionally, people often fall prey to the common myth that experiencing symptoms daily is normal, without realizing there are treatments available. The more you know about frequent heartburn, the better you will be able to treat it.
* Talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you. Dr. Sachar recommends over-the-counter PPIs, like Prilosec OTC because it’s possible with just one pill a day to block the acid and stop heartburn before it starts for a full 24 hours of zero heartburn. It’s possible while taking Prilosec OTC. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn. Do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every four months unless directed by a doctor. Not for immediate relief.
* Quit smoking. Smoking relaxes the valve at the top of your stomach, allowing excess stomach acid to reflux into your esophagus.
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Simple Tips To Avoid Heartburn
Conditions & Treatments

Simple Tips To Avoid Heartburn

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Most people who have eaten a spicy meal have experienced heartburn – but for many, the problem may be much more frequent than the occasional bout of indigestion. Frequent heartburn can also be a symptom of a more serious problem called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Acid reflux is caused by the regurgitation or reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, which connects the mouth and stomach. The symptoms of GERD include burning chest pain, regurgitation of bitter or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing and excessive clearing of the throat. Simple Tips To Avoid Heartburn
When GERD is not treated, serious complications can occur. If you are constantly reaching for the antacids at the end of the day, the following tips may help:

  1. Don’t lie down after eating. When you lie down, it’s easier for stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, particularly when you go to bed with a full stomach. Make sure to wait at least three to four hours after eating before going to bed, and try raising the head of your bed.
  2. Cut out problem foods. Chocolate, peppermint, tomato sauce, and fatty and spicy foods have all been proven to exacerbate the symptoms of heartburn. Making a point to eat smaller meals will also help curb potential heartburn problems.
  3. Avoid smoking and excessive amounts of alcohol. Using tobacco and ingesting alcohol reduce the pressure on the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, permitting acid reflux to occur.

GERD has a physical cause and may not be improved by lifestyle factors alone. If you are using over-the-counter medications two or more times a week or are still having symptoms on prescription or other medicines, you need to see your doctor. Persistent symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux should not be ignored.

Simple Tips To Avoid Heartburn

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How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?
Conditions & Treatments

How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?

Is heartburn associated with any other illnesses?
How Can I Determine if I Have Heartburn?Heartburn symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses. It is very important to recognize which symptoms may suggest another illness so that appropriate medical treatment can occur.
If heartburn is severe, persistent, or does not respond to over-the-counter medications, it may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If left untreated, GERD can cause serious damage to the lining of the esophagus, including inflammation or ulcers. Long-term consequences of untreated GERD include narrowing of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing food or medications. Additionally, GERD can contribute to asthma, pneumonia, hoarseness, chronic cough, sore throat, and dental problems. People with GERD also have a higher risk of developing a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, which results in severe destruction to the lining of the esophagus and may be linked to an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus.
Persistent or severe heartburn symptoms may also indicate a stomach ulcer. Although ulcers and heartburn have similar symptoms, ulcers are often caused by bacteria (H. pylori) or chronic use of certain medications, like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. Heartburn pain that is relieved by eating, instead of caused by eating, may indicate that you have an ulcer.
Sometimes a heart attack may be mistaken for heartburn. Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack is very important in order to determine when urgent medical treatment should be sought. If any chest pain lasts for more than a few minutes and you have one or more of the warning signs of a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately. Possible warning signs of a heart attack include:

  • Chest pain that can be described as pressure, tightness, fullness, dull, or crushing
  • Pain occurring with activity or exertion
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw
  • Pain that responds to nitroglycerin tablets
  • Pain that is associated with an irregular pulse
  • Cold sweats
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Lightheadedness, weakness, or dizziness

When should I seek medical attention for my heartburn?
Seek medical attention if your heartburn occurs several times a week, returns immediately after your antacid wears off, returns soon after you take Prilosec OTC® for 14 consecutive days, or wakes you up at night. You may be developing complications that require more intensive treatment. Heartburn is common in pregnancy, but people who are pregnant should consult with a physician before selecting any medication to treat symptoms. Additionally, seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Unexplained chest pain that fells like pressure on your chest
  • Fever
  • Chronic hoarseness
  • Asthma
  • Chronic cough
  • A family history of peptic ulcer disease or GERD
  • Sudden, unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in the stool
  • Black, tarry stool
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Regurgitated blood or black material
  • Pain that persists despite the use of medications
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