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What are the measures to control heartburn? What about it's medication?
Jostina Maparata
Dec 6, 2023
What are the measures to control heartburn? What about it's medication?
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Dec 6, 2023
There are several measures that can help control heartburn, including:
1. Lifestyle changes: Avoid trigger foods and beverages such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down immediately after eating. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid tight-fitting clothing.
2. Elevate the head of your bed: Raise the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while sleeping.
3. Avoid smoking: Smoking can worsen heartburn symptoms, so quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke is beneficial.
4. Manage stress: Stress can contribute to heartburn, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, relaxation techniques, or counseling, can help reduce symptoms.
5. Chew gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn.
As for medication, there are several options available:
1. Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox can provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
2. H2 blockers: Over-the-counter H2 blockers like Pepcid AC, Zantac, or Tagamet reduce the production of stomach acid and provide longer-lasting relief than antacids.
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications, available both over-the-counter and by prescription, reduce the production of stomach acid more effectively than H2 blockers. Examples include Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium.
4. Prokinetics: Prescription prokinetic medications help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and promote faster emptying of the stomach, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment based on individual needs and medical history.
1. Lifestyle changes: Avoid trigger foods and beverages such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down immediately after eating. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid tight-fitting clothing.
2. Elevate the head of your bed: Raise the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while sleeping.
3. Avoid smoking: Smoking can worsen heartburn symptoms, so quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke is beneficial.
4. Manage stress: Stress can contribute to heartburn, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, relaxation techniques, or counseling, can help reduce symptoms.
5. Chew gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn.
As for medication, there are several options available:
1. Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox can provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
2. H2 blockers: Over-the-counter H2 blockers like Pepcid AC, Zantac, or Tagamet reduce the production of stomach acid and provide longer-lasting relief than antacids.
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications, available both over-the-counter and by prescription, reduce the production of stomach acid more effectively than H2 blockers. Examples include Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium.
4. Prokinetics: Prescription prokinetic medications help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and promote faster emptying of the stomach, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment based on individual needs and medical history.
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