It is usually possible to stop heartburn by taking medication designed to treat it. Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are made to prevent heartburn, and antacids can treat it once it has begun. Proton pump inhibitors keep the stomach from releasing acid, and H2 blockers prevent the body from producing Histamine2, which sends acid-producing signals to the stomach. Antacids stop heartburn by increasing the pH level in your stomach, thereby making it less acidic. If you have chronic heartburn, a combination drug containing both an antacid and an H2 blocker could be a helpful option.
Some people use home remedies to stop heartburn and acid reflux instead of or in addition to medication. Drinking buttermilk and eating almonds, soda crackers, and apples may aid in reducing and preventing excess stomach acid. Sleeping with your head elevated, drinking lots of water between meals, and making an effort not to lie down immediately after each meal might also prevent extreme heartburn from occurring. If you are looking for immediate relief to stop heartburn and do not have any antacid on hand, mixing half a glass of water with 1/2 tsp (2.4 ml) of baking soda could provide temporary relief.
If over the counter medication and home remedies seem to have little to no effect on your heartburn, it may be necessary to consult with a doctor. People with chronic heartburn that is resistant to medication are often diagnosed with GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Diagnosing GERD usually involves several tests, including an endoscopic examination to see the degree of acid damage the stomach has sustained. Doctors may prescribe stronger acid blocking medication to GERD patients as well as suggesting lifestyle changes. Things like losing weight, avoiding spicy and greasy foods, and quitting smoking could have a substantial effect on GERD symptoms.
Heartburn and chest pain are frequently linked together because the symptoms of each are felt in the chest. Extreme heartburn may occasionally be mistaken for a heart attack. If heartburn is accompanied by heart attack symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, arm pain, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, or crushing pain in the center of the chest, medical attention should immediately be sought. Gall bladder attacks and muscle spasms in the abdominal area also typically cause chest pain that might be mistaken for heartburn. Problems like these could worsen quickly if not treated; seeing a doctor after the first occurrence of unexplainable chest pain might possibly save your life.
