Heartburn could be the result of problems related to the heart or gastro esophageal reflux disease. Both the cases are entirely different, and therefore, requires different treatment. Hence, first, it is necessary to find out the reason behind the occurrence of severe heartburn. Even after giving up your favorite food items, use of antacids, following a diet, and including exercises, you may still fall as a prey to heartburn.
In many cases, the occurrence of heartburn is due to acid reflux disease. The acids released by the stomach revert into the food pipe and back into the chest region causing heartburn. Chronic sufferers of heartburn will have a sore throat, asthma symptoms, and cough. Neglecting it will lead to permanent damage of esophagus or even develop esophagus cancer.
What Helps With Severe Heartburn?
With regards to what helps with severe heartburn, as with anything, begin the process by considering the food products that you are consuming. Integrating medicines with self-care is essential to overcome any kind of disease including severe heartburn. For example, if you like spicy foods, grape/orange juices, or consume large meals before bed, it can hurt you severely. Under the self-care tips, it is important for you to be practical and determined to overcome heartburn. The following are a few of the self-help tips for severe heartburn:
- Increase the intake of the meals without cutting down the size. For example, consume smaller meals and make six meals per day rather than three to treat heartburn.
- Try to avoid spicy foods, fried foods, tomatoes, chocolate, carbonated drinks, and citrus fruits.
- Keep away from caffeine content and alcohol to treat heartburn.
- If you are a smoker, discontinue smoking immediately.
- Keep a check on your body mass index. If you are overweight, try to reduce it by taking the necessary steps.
- Do not use painkillers excessively.
Altering the lifestyle and diet also help in promoting good health along with a reduction in severe heartburn.
What if Self-Help for Severe Heartburn Does Not Help?
In certain cases, if the self-help tips mentioned above for severe heartburn do not work, it is time to pay a visit to the doctor. Alternatively, you can also opt for antacids that are readily available from the nearest pharmacy store. The process of digestion contains a release of several chemicals by the body. Using antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, and calcium, you will be helping in neutralizing the excessive production of stomach acid. However, these medicines may not offer the required support for chronic or severe heartburn at all times.
Acid Blockers for Severe Heartburn Can Be a Solution
The acid blockers act as a shield and help in reduction of acid released into the stomach. Although they may not be working at a faster rate, offering relief and lasting for a long time is possible. These acid blockers for severe heartburn include Tagamet, Zantac, Axid, and Pepcid. They are also available in a prescribed format and different dosage levels. You can pick the prescribed dosage level when the mild doses do not provide any relief.
When to Take Acid Blockers for Severe Heartburn?
Unlike a fast relief for preventing severe heartburn, using the acid blockers is best as a preventive measure. Therefore, it is preferable to consume it at least one hour before eating any meal. Alternatively, it should be only taken twice a day to ensure that the medicine does not cause any side effects. As the medicines act as preventive measures, there will be a gradual decrease in the severe heartburn experienced by the person.
Curing severe heartburn is possible. However, understanding its occurrence and the reasons will be of immense help. Consult a doctor if you are under treatment, pregnant, or breastfeeding mother before opting for over the counter antacids.
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