HEARTBURN

Heartburn is described as a burning or painful sensation in the chest behind the breastbone.
It occurs when the acid in your stomach travels backward into your esophagus (acid reflux).
Your throat can also become irritated when exposed to stomach acid over time.
Other symptoms include a sour taste in the mouth, belching, coughing, and wheezing.
Heartburn can be mild and temporary, but can also be chronic and a symptom of a more serious gastrointestinal condition.
Heartburn is often caused by a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Avoiding caffeine, chocolate, greasy or spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages can help prevent heartburn.
Also avoid any foods that directly irritate your stomach including citrus juice, coffee, and tomato products.
Quitting smoking and losing weight if needed will also help control it because both smoking and excess weight can cause food to back up into the esophagus. To help prevent heartburn, try eating smaller meals, avoid eating two to three hours before bedtime, and raise the head of your bed six inches.

These nondrug treatments and over-the-counter medicines are the main treatments for occasional heartburn.
Your doctor may recommend a prescription medicine for GERD or if your symptoms do not improve with
over-the-counter treatments. Some people also try herbal remedies.

Sources: Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996. Feldman: Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. W. B. Saunders Company, 1998. Tytgat GN. “Medical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease in secondary and tertiary care settings
’” Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. 72 (1999). Pharmacotherapy: a Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000. The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.

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