Thursday, June 11, 2009

Is There A Treatment For Chronic Heartburn?

If you suffer from chronic heartburn, the best treatment is the one that eliminates heartburn from your life. What’s the best way to do that? Would it be medical, using some prescription that you may be reliant on for the rest of your life? Or is it a natural remedy, a way of changing your lifestyle so that you work with your body instead of trying to fix the damage.

Before talking about heartburn treatment, let’s review what causes heartburn. Usually heartburn is causes by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. Heartburn is causes by that muscle being weak or relaxing when it shouldn’t. If that happens, acid from the stomach can rise back up into the esophagus, and give you that awful burning feeling.

Foods That Make A Difference


There are foods that aggravate heartburn, and other foods that can help heal the esophagus and relieve chronic heartburn. A great treatment is to eat foods that are less likely to result in heartburn.



First let’s take a look at the foods that can damage or weaken the LES. These include chocolate, greasy or fried foods, peppermint, fatty foods, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol. Also, smoking is a no-no for the LES – the nicotine in the cigarettes weaken that muscle. If you needed a reason to stop smoking and suffer from chronic heartburn, this treatment might be a great reason to quit.

Other foods can irritate the esophagus. These include citrus fruits or juices, black pepper, tomatoes or tomato-based products, and chili peppers.

Behaviors That Make A Difference


There are things you can do as a treatment for chronic heartburn. First of all, after eating, avoid bending over and lying down, as both can increase the incidence of heartburn.

Drink a small glass of water that is just warm (or herb tea) after eating can help dilute the stomach acid.

Also, saliva is a great help for chronic heartburn treatment. Saliva neutralizes stomach acid. It also helps with peristalsis – the movements that scoot the food along the digestive tract, including moving food from the stomach into the small intestines. How can you increase saliva? Chewing gum! You might try sticking in a piece of gum right after a meal and see if it helps.

Finally, eating smaller meals more frequently is better for you than eating fewer, larger meals. This is because the larger meals press against the stomach and the LES muscle, making it more likely that there will be leakage of acid. Also, eating more slowly can help as a treatment for chronic heartburn.


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Causes Of Frequent Heartburn

The stomach is a marvelous organ that is critical in maintaining the health of the individual. This is because the stomach is the receptacle for the food that is eaten. It is through the processing of this food by the stomach that the major digestive action of assimilating the food into energy is accomplished. This in turn provides the proper nutrients that the body needs.

However, like any other major organ in the body, when something goes wrong, it can be extremely painful. One of those conditions that could negatively develop for the individual is the condition known as heartburn. Before talking about the causes of the frequent heartburn, it is important to know what heartburn is.

What Is Heartburn?


Heartburn is that medical condition in which the sufferer experiences a burning sensation in the esophagus. Anatomically, the esophagus runs vertically from the throat area down to the stomach.



Often, the reason why the individual experiences heartburn is that hydrochloric acid, found in the stomach, is released into the esophagus and can travel in distance to an individual’s mouth. Hydrochloric acid is that secretion found in the stomach that helps in the beginnings of the digestive process.

Generally, this burning sensation is located in the middle of the chest or near the heart. Therefore, because it’s a burning sensation located near the heart, the associated pain and feeling of being on fire gives rise to the name of heartburn.

In addition to the pain experienced under the sternum or breastbone, the pain may also radiate up through the throat or near the neck area or near the jaw. Each of these individual areas may be affected or there may be a pain experienced by all of these anatomical areas. Another characteristic of heartburn can be an associated cough.

What Are Causes of Frequent Heartburn


There are several causes of frequent heartburn that may precipitate an episode or episodes of heartburn. Some of those reasons could be the individual’s dietary habits, lifestyle choices, or a malfunction within the proximal end of the stomach or a malfunctioning sphincter muscle.

For example, when it comes to dietary habits, an individual may eat a lot of acidic foods. This acidity in turn causes hyperacidity which in turn causes a need for the stomach to release excessive acid in the stomach.

Another cause of frequent heartburn in an individual may be due to lifestyle choices. Some of those lifestyle choices that can cause hyperacidity can be overeating, consuming caffeine, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, etc.

In addition, one other cause of frequent heartburn due to the release of acid from the stomach is due to the weakening of the sphincter muscle at the top portion of the stomach. If this muscle is damaged or does not hold its elasticity it allows the release of the hydrochloric acid back up into the esophagus. This is known as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease.

It is also important to note that many individuals who experience heartburn utilize different types of treatment methods. Some of those treatment methods can include the use of heartburn medicine, controlling diet, losing weight, or a combination of all of these treatment methods.


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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Over the Counter Heartburn Medicine

You recognize the signs; the painful burning that starts at about your breastbone and move up into the back of your throat. Heartburn is on the prowl once again and you need relief in the worst possible way. You head to the pharmacy to find a medication for your painful symptoms, but the shelves filled with many different over the counter heartburn medications only serves to frustrate and confuse you. Which one will meet your needs best? To help you make the right choice in over the counter heartburn medicine, you need the facts about how each medication works and how to know which one will work best for you.

Antacids


Rolaids, Tums and Maalox all fall into these categories. Antacids now come in a variety of flavored chewable tablets that are supplemented with calcium, making this over the counter heartburn medicine as healthy as it is yummy. Antacids are known for working fast and working effectively on painful heartburn symptoms. You can take a roll with you so you can nip heartburn in the bud anytime and anywhere. However, antacids only provide relief for so long, and then the burning will rear its ugly head once again. So if you need fast relief, this is the over the counter heartburn medicine for you. If long term relief is what you are looking for, read on for additional options.



H-2 Blockers


Histamine-2 blockers, also known as H-2 blockers, reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces, thereby reducing heartburn symptoms as well. These medications go by commercial names of Zantac and Pepcid. Recommendations state to take this over the counter heartburn medicine 30 minutes before eating a meal to head heartburn symptoms off at the pass. However, if the painful burning sensation has already begun, these medicines will be too slow to provide sufficient relief. Take them early, and enjoy the hours of heartburn relief that are sure to follow.

Proton Pump Inhibitors


Let's say your doctor has already warned you about the painful effects of your frequent bouts of heartburn. Your esophageal lining has been damaged by the constant exposure to the harmful stomach acids, and now it needs sufficient time to heal itself back up. The best alternative medicine for heartburn is a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec. While Prilosec can now be purchased as an over the counter heartburn medicine, most doctors recommend that you talk to a physician before taking this medicine for an accurate heartburn diagnosis.

Whether your heartburn is an infrequent visitor or too familiar for comfort, an over the counter heartburn medicine might be just the ticket. Talk to your doctor about the best over the counter heartburn medicine for you and say goodbye to painful heartburn.


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Causes Of Chronic Heartburn

Heartburn is the most common symptom for acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux. It is a feeling or burning sensation felt in the chest just behind breastbone, and gives the uncomfortable feeling of liquid or food rising up the esophagus. This burning sensation is caused by the acidic juices of stomach that manage to escape from stomach, and irritate the lining of esophagus. Unlike Stomach, esophagus is not protected from the corrosive effect of digestive juices.

Chronic heartburn is a serious disorder of digestive tract, and is not easily cured by antacids or home remedies. The pain can however be alleviated by improving the eating habits.

Causes of Chronic Heartburn


Chronic heartburn is usually an indicator of some other medical condition such as Barrett’s esophagus, Hiatal hernia, GERD or esophagitis, and in extreme conditions, esophageal cancer.



It has been observed that women suffer more often with chronic heartburn as compared to men. Frequent malfunction of esophageal sphincter is the main cause of chronic heartburn in females. Swollen belly that puts pressure on the stomach is the cause of heartburn during pregnancy.


Obesity is another common cause of chronic heartburn, and clinically obese people are at higher risk of suffering from this condition, as excess fat puts extra pressure on the stomach and pushes the stomach acid up. If excess weight is not shed, the heartburn can become more severe.

Genetic factor can also be the cause of severe heartburn, and some races are more prone to suffer from this disorder as compared to others. Hiatal hernia in which the small part of stomach lies in chest can also be the cause of severe heartburn.

Heartburn is caused by acid flowing back in the esophagus, and any food that increases the production of stomach acid can be the cause of severe heartburn. There are certain foods that we eat and drink everyday that can be the irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits, grapefruit and chocolates.

Some of the other factors that can be the cause of severe heartburn include straining to pass stool, straining to urinate and eating rich and large meals. Mild or moderate heartburn can be treated with home remedies or over the counter medications, but severe and chronic heartburn needs medical attention. Many heartburn cases however can be prevented by making simple changes in the diet, habits and daily activity. Talk to your doctor about foods that must be avoided, and limit alcohol intake and smoking. Losing weight not only helps alleviate heartburn symptoms, but is also good for overall health.


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Monday, June 8, 2009

Alternative Medicine For Heartburn : Responding To The Fire

Heartburn is a medical condition in which the body experiences a burning sensation in the mid-to upper chest region. Generally the locale of this burning sensation is beneath the sternum or breastbone. Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, but because of the location of the burning it is called heartburn.

Heartburn can be caused by a number of contributing factors. Some of those factors can be the lifestyle that the individual chooses. Examples of those types of lifestyle choices could include smoking, drinking alcohol, overeating, eating of fatty or fried foods, excessive use of spices, etc.

In addition, a contributing factor to heartburn can be the stress in one’s life. This stress causes the stomach to excrete excessive amounts of hydrochloric acid. This excessive acid then finds its way back up through the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth.



Therefore, if an individual experiences episodes of heartburn, it is important to treat this condition. The treatment of this condition is important because the reflux of acid into the esophagus may eventually damage the esophagus and may ultimately lead to ulcerations or cancer of the esophagus.

Subsequently there are many ways to treat heartburn. Some of those ways of treating heartburn utilize traditional and conventional methods, while other methods can be considered alternative medicine for heartburn.

Traditional Ways of Treating Heartburn


There are many traditional ways of treating heartburn symptoms. Some of those methods of treating the symptoms of heartburn can include the use of over-the-counter medications, prescription heartburn medicine or changing one’s lifestyle to prevent the symptoms from occurring.

For example, over the counter medications can include tablets that contain magnesium, calcium and aluminum. In addition, an individual may choose to use a liquid or medication that is called a suspension containing these minerals. These ingredients help to negative the effects of the acid.

In addition, in cases of severe symptoms of heartburn, an individual may wish to see a physician. Typically, in severe cases of heartburn, the attending doctor will not only prescribe prescription medications to control the symptoms of heartburn, but also control the causes of heartburn. One such medication is labeled as a proton pump inhibitor. This type of medication will help to minimize the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Utilizing Alternative Medicine For Heartburn


Another popular method of controlling the symptoms of heartburn is through the use of alternative medicine for heartburn. Basically the use of alternative medicine for heartburn includes home remedies that may help to alleviate the symptoms associated with heartburn.

For example some types of alternative medicine for heartburn can include the use of ordinary ingredients found around the home. One of those ordinary ingredients is baking soda. To provide relief for heartburn all the individual needs to do is to add baking soda to water and drink the liquid for instant relief

Another alternative medicine for heartburn that can be utilized is the ingestion of ginger. All the individual needs to do is boil a ginger root in two cups of water. Once this has occurred simply drink the liquid one would with a tea.

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Home Remedies Provide Natural Heartburn Treatment

Heartburn can, and does, happen to just about every one of us at one time or another. However, the fact that heartburn is a common problem is hardly a comfort when you are the one suffering from the painful burning in your chest and back of the throat. When those symptoms become a frequent "friend", the need for relief becomes even more pronounced and the search for natural heartburn treatment begins. The good news is that there are many options in heartburn home treatment that sufferers can use to keep those uncomfortable symptoms at bay.


What to Avoid


Heartburn can be caused and exacerbated by many different factors, so the first step in natural heartburn treatment is to identify those triggers so they can be avoided as much as possible. Some common culprits include eating too close to bedtime or indulging in alcoholic or carbonated beverages. Lying down right after a meal can make it easier for those digestive acids to work their way back up the digestive tract.



It is best to wait two or three hours after a meal before assuming a reclining position. Alcoholic beverages can relax the muscle at the base of the esophagus that is responsible for keeping stomach acids where they belong and away from the esophageal lining. Carbonated beverages like soda can also add pressure to the stomach, increasing the possibility of heartburn. Simply avoiding some of these habits can be an effective method of natural heartburn treatment.

Other things to avoid are some types of pain medication, caffeine and smoking. Medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate an esophagus that is already tender from acid reflux or heartburn. If you suffer from frequent bouts, it is best to choose acetaminophen for your occasional headaches as a natural heartburn treatment. Nicotine can also irritate the esophagus as well as the lining of the stomach, so kick the habit for natural heartburn treatment. Caffeine, like alcohol, can relax the muscle of the esophagus, making it easier for stomach acids to sneak back up. Avoidance of these substances is one of the easiest and healthiest methods of natural heartburn treatment.

Of course, some foods are known heartburn agents as well, such as chocolate, peppermint, tomatoes, citrus fruits and some spicy foods. Once you identify your heartburn triggers from this list, you can stay away from those foods that cause your painful symptoms as a natural heartburn treatment. If you simply must indulge in your favorite spaghetti sauce or grapefruit, there are medications that will reduce acid production. If you take one of these medications one half hour before a meal, it can help keep your heartburn symptoms at bay.

Heartburn hurts, but help is available. By using a method of natural heartburn treatment, you can prevent heartburn before it begins.

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Sunday, June 7, 2009

Common Causes Of Heartburn : Heart Attack Or Heartburn

When an individual is suffering from heartburn they may think that they are experiencing a heart attack. This is because the symptoms between having a heart attack and an episode of heartburn can be similar in nature.

Therefore, it is important to know what the differences between the symptoms of a heart attack and an episode of heartburn are. Also, it is important to know what are some of the triggers or common causes of heartburn.

Differences between Heartburn and Heart Attack


There are many similarities between an episode of heartburn and a heart attack. Some of those similarities include chest pain, pain that radiates up into the throat and also extends into the jaw area. However, it is important to note that there are a number of differences between an actual heart attack and heartburn.



First of all, one of the major differences is the anatomical area that’s affected by heartburn and by a heart attack. Specifically, when an individual is having heartburn the areas of the body that can be affected include the stomach, esophagus and oral cavity. Whereas, when an individual has a heart attack their heart is affected. Generally, a heart attack is caused when the blood supply to the heart is obstructed. This blood supply is carried by the coronary arteries.

What Are Some Common Causes of Heartburn


There are many causes that can contribute to an isolated case of heartburn or an ongoing chronic condition. Some of those common causes of heartburn can be attributed to lifestyle choices, dietary habits, stress or a combination of each of these common causes of heartburn.

For example when it comes to lifestyle choices, the individual may be overweight or indulge in a smoking habit. Either one of these lifestyle choices can contribute to an isolated case of heartburn or maybe a cause of frequent heartburn.

Additionally, when it comes to dietary habits, the individual may choose to eat spicy, fatty or fried foods. Each of these types of food or preparation of food substances can be a common cause of heartburn.

In addition, because of the stress levels that one may experience, there may be a related increase in the frequency of heartburn. This is due to the fact that an increase in stress levels correspondingly increases the flow or secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Subsequently, this excess acid in the stomach may lead to Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or may even produce ulcerations within the stomach.

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Best Heartburn Relief For Nighttime Heartburn

Heartburn suffers know that the pain experienced from a heartburn is very uncomfortable and can even be debilitating. Heartburn is experienced when the valve between the stomach and the throat does not close properly. It causes the acid in the stomach to rise up into the throat. The throat does not have the same lining as the stomach to protect itself against the acid and it becomes inflamed and irritated. Many people suffer from chronic heartburn and often times it can occur at night when they are trying to sleep and get some rest.

Many people try different types of heartburn remedies in the hopes of finding the best heartburn relief for them. Not everyone will respond in the same way to remedies that provide heartburn pain relief. Many times it takes trial and error to find the best heartburn relief for your situation. Understanding what causes your heartburn and knowing what can give you the best heartburn relief will be a matter of trial and error especially if you are prone to chronic heartburn.



What Is Available?


There are many ways to find the best heartburn relief for your situation. Many times nighttime heartburn is a result of eating too much right before lying down in bed. You may find the best heartburn relief for your nighttime heartburn is a matter of just waiting a few hours before lying down or to prop yourself up and sleep on a few pillows instead of lying completely on your back.

The best heartburn relief for many is prevention. Once you know you are prone to heartburn it is just a matter of understanding what is causing your heartburn. Many times spicy food can trigger heartburn. You might find you will have a heartburn attack after you eat some spicy food. The best heartburn relief in that situation would be to avoid spicy food or at least avoid the spicy foods that you know is causing the heartburn. Stress can be a trigger for heartburn.

Heartburn is caused when your stomach produces too much acid. If you can control the amount of stress in your life and reduce the amount of acid your stomach will be making you will prevent a heartburn episode from occurring. You might find the best heartburn relief is just a matter of reducing the amount of stress in your life or changing your lifestyle to include a way for you to de-stress after a long day in the office.

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Friday, June 5, 2009

A Review Of Home Heartburn Treatments

Heartburn can be a painful condition. The symptoms can range from a mild burning in the esophagus or throat to pain in the chest mimicking a heart attack. It can be important to treat heartburn, particularly if you suffer from it more than just a couple of times a week. Let’s review some heartburn treatments that are simple to do at home.

Lifestyle Changes Can Be Enough


For some people, making a few changes in their lifestyle can decrease the causes of heartburn significantly. Others may need some changes that are more difficult to make. All of these should be considered prior to seeing your doctor and getting prescription medicine.

Before considering more invasive heartburn treatments, you should review your eating patterns to see if something you eat could be aggravating your heartburn. Avoiding foods that irritate the stomach muscles can help a lot. These foods to avoid are chocolate, peppermint, fatty or fried foods, and caffeine-filled beverages. Also, spicy foods, tomatoes and tomato sauces, and citrus fruits and juices can irritate the esophagus.



Eat your food in smaller meals, to ease strain on the involved muscles. Also, putting your fork down between bites can help slow the meal down appropriately.

After eating, avoid lifting, coughing, and wearing tight clothing, as these can force stomach acid back up into the esophagus. Avoid lying down for a few hours after a meal, and consider elevating the head of your bed while you sleep.

Other changes can be more difficult to make, but can work to the advantage of the heartburn sufferer in more than just avoiding heartburn. A quick review of these treatments for heartburn are: lose weight if you are currently overweight. Cut back on your alcohol consumption. And stop smoking. All of these will help your health in so many more ways than just avoiding heartburn – while they are more difficult than the earlier suggestions; the benefits are huge for lifelong health.

Reviewing heartburn treatments available over-the -counter, there are two types: antacids, which neutralize acid, and drugs that block production of stomach acid. Antacids include Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, and Maalox. They can be taken when symptoms occur or just routinely one hour after eating. If these are not enough, drugs that block the production of stomach acid are also available over-the-counter. These include Tagamet, Pepcid, and Zantac.

If reviewing home heartburn treatments and making some appropriate changes doesn’t help your heartburn, see your primary healthcare practitioner for some other options.

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Finding the Best Heartburn Medicine for You

Heartburn is a common problem that faces almost everyone at one time or another. Although heartburn is rarely a serious condition, it can be painful enough to get in the way of daily activities. In some cases, the burning becomes so intense; it is mistaken for the symptoms of a heart attack. Whether you suffer from heartburn once a week or once in a blue moon, there are effective methods to relieve the painful symptoms. You can head to the pharmacy or talk to your doctor about the best heartburn medicine for you.

What is Heartburn?


Before heading out to choose the best heartburn medicine for your needs, it helps to understand why heartburn occurs in the first place. At the base of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, there is a muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, or LES. The LES will open up to let food pass into the stomach and then close again to keep digestive acids and partially digested food in the stomach where it belongs. In some cases, the LES will not close properly, allowing some of that acid and food to back up into the esophagus. When the delicate esophageal lining comes in contact with the potent stomach acid, burning and pain result. This condition is what is known as heartburn.



The best heartburn medicine will probably affect the stomach acid in some way, whether to neutralize or reduce acid or to block its production completely. The best heartburn medicine for you will depend in part on how severe and frequent your symptoms are and how effectively simple lifestyle and dietary changes will keep those symptoms under control. In some cases, the best heartburn medicine will also allow for healing of the esophagus, if the lining has been damaged due to frequent exposure to harmful digestive acids. Most of the time, an over the counter heartburn medicine will do the trick.

The fastest heartburn medicine is usually an antacid, which will immediately begin neutralizing the acid in the stomach to bring relief to heartburn symptoms. For many, this is the best heartburn medicine because it is fast acting and easy to carry with them. However, others need longer relief than an antacid will provide. In these situations, the best heartburn medication will be one that reduces stomach acid, such as Pepcid, to bring longer lasting relief from painful symptom. If damage to the esophagus has been diagnosed, the best heartburn medicine will be a proton pump inhibitor that will block acid production and give the esophagus time to heal.

Heartburn can be a painful condition, especially if you are experiencing it frequently. Fortunately, by choosing the best heartburn medicine for your needs, you can keep heartburn – and its painful symptoms – under control.

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Thursday, June 4, 2009

A Guide To Causes Of Severe Heartburn

Heartburn is the sensation of warmth, burning, pain or heat in the upper abdomen, just below the breastbone. The pain may spread to the throat, and there may be sour taste in mouth. Heartburn is also called as sour stomach, acid regurgitation, pyrosis or indigestion and it has nothing to do with the heart.

Heartburn may cause some problems such as burping, bloating, nausea or difficulty in swallowing. It may also cause chronic cough, wheezing, choking episodes, asthma or sleeping problems in some people.

Common Causes of Severe Heartburn


Esophagus is the tube that leads from throat to stomach. Heartburn occurs when stomach juices and food go back up in the esophagus, and this process is known as gastroesophageal reflux.



Incomplete closing of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) between stomach and esophagus can be the cause of severe heartburn. Certain foods and drinks such as peppermint, chocolate, sugars, fatty foods, fried foods, alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks can also be the causes of severe heartburn. If you are already suffering from heartburn, backflow of stomach acids can make esophagus more sensitive to other foods as well, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions and spicy food.

Frequent bending over, tight clothes, obesity, pregnancy, vigorous exercise and straining bowel movements can put the pressure on stomach and become the cause of severe heartburn. There are certain prescription and non-prescription medicines such as prednisone, aspirin, iron, ibuprofen, antihistamines, potassium and sleeping pills that can be the causes of severe heartburn. Hiatal hernia, which occurs when a part of stomach pushes upward through diaphragm, or stress, which increases the amount of acid in the stomach, may also be the cause of severe heartburn.

Eating too fast, consuming large portions of food at a time, oily or spicy food and eating just before going to bed can also be the causes of severe heartburn.

Most of the babies spit up, but once esophagus becomes more coordinated, the spitting up reduces. Children who vomit more often during first two years of their life are at higher risk of having reflux and heartburn problems later in life.

Knowing the cause of severe heartburn and cause of chronic heartburn can help with quick diagnosis and timely treatment. Avoid foods that cause this problem, and additionally, eat healthy food and exercise regularly. Avoid wearing tight clothes, and maintain good body posture. Try to eat 2-3 hours before bedtime, and take a walk after dinner. Heartburn can be cured with some simple home heartburn remedies or over the counter medication, but in case it persists, it is advisable to seek medical help.

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Tips for Pregnancy Heartburn Treatment

Pregnancy is a magical, exciting time of life, but it is also one wrought with plenty of anxiety and uncomfortable symptoms. One of the symptoms that many women may have to deal with throughout the nine months is heartburn. Even women who have never experienced heartburn before may learn to recognize the familiar burning that begins just above the breastbone and moves upward toward the throat. There are a couple of different reasons why heartburn hits many during this time of life. Fortunately, there are also a number of options in pregnancy heartburn treatment that can help keep those painful heartburn symptoms under control.

Why You might need Pregnancy Heartburn Treatment


There are two potential causes for heartburn during pregnancy; the changing hormone levels and the physical changes that occur during these nine months. Hormones that increase during pregnancy can cause the muscle at the base of the esophagus to relax so that digestive acids can move back up the digestive track more freely. The expanding belly can also put pressure on this muscle and on the stomach, pushing those acids back up into the esophagus and throat. No matter why your heartburn is occurring there are choices in pregnancy heartburn treatment that can effectively bring heartburn relief.



Lifestyle Changes


Part of pregnancy heartburn treatment will be about the choices you make in terms of the food you eat and the way you eat them. Most pregnant women find that avoiding the foods that have been identified as heartburn triggers will help to keep painful symptoms at bay. Some common culprits include chocolate, caffeinated beverages, tomato-based products like spaghetti sauce and citrus fruits and juices. Eating smaller meals more frequently can prevent heartburn symptoms since the stomach will never get too full and put pressure on the esophagus. It is also a good idea to avoid lying down right after meals, since the horizontal position makes it easier for acids to creep back up the digestive system. However, if these methods of pregnancy heartburn treatment are not effective, there are other options available.

Medication


Sometimes the best treatment for heartburn during pregnancy is to keep a roll of antacids on hand to nip those painful symptoms in the bud. The best antacids to use as a pregnancy heartburn treatment will be made up of calcium carbonate and magnesium. Talk to your doctor before taking any antacids containing aluminum, aspirin or high amounts of sodium, since these may not be the safest choice during those nine months. If antacids do not provide an effective pregnancy heartburn treatment, your doctor may be able to recommend other medications that will reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach. While many of these medications are sold over the counter, it is best to check with your doctor before taking them.

Heartburn during pregnancy is a common problem, but there are solutions. The right pregnancy heartburn treatment can keep painful burning at bay so you can enjoy those special nine months to the fullest.


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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Prescription Heartburn Medicine : Turning Off The Pump

Heartburn is an uncomfortable condition that is caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the upper part of the digestive system. This upper part of the digestive system can include the esophagus and the oral cavity.

There are many causes that can be attributed to occasional or chronic episodes of heartburn. Some of those factors can include particular lifestyle choices of individuals. For example, f an individual eats too much they may become overweight which in turn compromises the stomach sphincter muscle which helps to contain the acid within the stomach. Once the elasticity of this sphincter muscle has been damaged, then its ability to contain the acid from flowing backwards into the esophagus has been compromised.

Another factor that may contribute to episodes of heartburn is an individual’s use of excessive tobacco or alcohol. In addition, the eating of fatty or spicy foods can bring on episodes of heartburn.

Subsequently, it is important to receive heartburn treatments as soon as possible. This is because heartburn may cause ulcerations of the esophagus and may eventually lead to cancer. Therefore, it is important to know about treatment options for heartburn as well as the use of prescription heartburn medicine.



Treatment Options for Heartburn


There are many treatment options available for an individual who is suffering from heartburn. Some of those treatment methods can include the use of over-the-counter medication, homemade remedies, or a commitment to changing one’s lifestyle.

Example of choosing the use of over-the-counter medication can include the use of tablets or liquids that contain certain ingredients. Generally, those ingredients can include magnesium, calcium or aluminum and its effect is to neutralize the acid through absorption.

Another option available for the heartburn sufferer is through the use of natural medicine for heartburn. Some of those remedies can include drinking a mixture of baking soda with water. This also helps to neutralize the acid found in the stomach.

Another option of homemade remedies is through the boiling of ginger root in 2 cups of water. Once this has been completed then the sufferer drinks the concoction like a cup of tea.

One other treatment option available for the individual who suffers from heartburn is through a commitment to change their lifestyle. For example, if an individual is overweight, they may choose to lose weight and therefore decrease the pressure that is placed upon the stomach. Or if an individual drinks too much alcohol or uses tobacco products they may choose to discontinue or decrease the use of these acid causing substances.


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Types Of Fast Heartburn Relief

Many people suffer from heartburn. It is very uncomfortable pains in the chest that can scare you into thinking you are having a heart attack. Despite it’s name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart even though some of the symptoms are the same as a heart attack.

You will immediately want fast heartburn relief if you have ever suffered from heartburn. Heartburn is caused when the valve between the stomach and the throat does not close completely causing the acid in the stomach to rise up into the throat. The throat then becomes irritated and inflamed causing a burning pain in the chest area.

Many people think it is a heart attack because the pain if felt in the chest area where the heart is but it is really the throat that is in pain. There are many different types of remedies available for those who suffer from heartburn and many of them provide fast heartburn relief when taken. The best way to give you fast heartburn relief is to understand what heartburn is and what is causing it. Once you understand what the heartburn symptoms are you will be better prepared to give yourself fast heartburn relief when you do suffer from an attack.



What Are Your Choices


There are many different types of pharmaceutical drugs that you can take either over the counter or prescribed by a physician. There are also natural remedies that can be taken to help treat and prevent heartburn from occurring. When you experience a heartburn attack all you can think about is getting fast heartburn relief immediately.

There are three basic types of drugs that can be taken to help give relief to heartburn symptoms. Understanding the difference will help you to decide which is the best heartburn relief for you. H2 blockers do not necessarily provide fast heartburn relief but they will provide the longest heartburn relief from the pain. The can provide relief for up to twelve hours and can also help in preventing heartburn from occurring. They basically work by reducing the amount of acid that is produced in your stomach.

Alginates will not last as long as H2 blockers, providing relief for only four hours. They are faster heartburn relief then H2 blockers because they block the acid from re-entering the throat. Antacids are the best for really fast heartburn relief. They will immediately decrease the acid in the stomach. The do not last as long as H2 blockers or alginates but they do provide the fastest heartburn relief of the three.

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