The American Gastroenterological Association states that heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation in the chest. Heartburn sufferers sometimes think they are having a heart attack in severe causes. Heartburn can disturb sufferers' daily activities and sleep. There are many heartburn remedies, both medicinal and nonmedicinal.
Diet Modification
One of the simplest heartburn remedies is changing one's diet since certain foods trigger symptoms. Some foods to avoid include fried and fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits and condiments.
Weight Loss
Excess weight, especially around the abdominal area, forces stomach acid up into the esophagus. Thus the association recommends weight loss as a heartburn remedy.
Stop Smoking
Another heartburn remedy is to stop smoking. The Heartburn Information Alliance states that smoking stimulates the production of stomach acid and relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which cause more acid to enter the esophagus.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Wearing tight-fitting clothing, like belts and girdles, squeezes the stomach, which pushes food into the esophagus.
Over-the-Counter Medication
The American Gastroenterological Association states that over-the-counter medications like antacids are effective heartburn remedies because they neutralize stomach acids.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs like H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors are heartburn remedies that decrease stomach acid production and heal the lining of the esophagus damaged by heartburn.
Surgery
The American Gastroenterological Association states that a small number of heartburn sufferers do not gain relief from their condition from the methods mentioned above, or they don't want to take heartburn medications. They opt for a surgical procedure called fundoplication, which reduces acid by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the esophagus. This procedure stops acid from backing up into the esophagus.
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