7 Simple Tricks for Fast Relief from Heartburn
Occasional heartburn is a common complaint. Below are 7 tricks for fast relief from heartburn. It’s not unusual for stomach acid to leak up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like:
- A bitter taste in your mouth
- Belching
- Bloating
- Burning feeling in the chest
- Pain made worse by bending over or lying down
Although it’s not typically serious, heartburn is uncomfortable and can disrupt your normal activities. Most people find relief with antacids or by adjusting their diet or other personal health factors.
If you have more than occasional heartburn, your doctor might recommend tests to determine the cause and recommend a long-term treatment. But, if you’re only experiencing heartburn occasionally, one of the following tips and tricks can help you find relief.
7 Tips for Fast Relief from Heartburn
When you start to feel the familiar burning of heartburn, you need fast relief. For occasional symptoms, try one of these heartburn-relieving tricks.
1. Take antacids
Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid and relieve the burn in seconds. This relief can last up to three hours. Keep antacids on hand for those occasional attacks of the burn.
2. Chew gum
Gum chewing increases your saliva production, which may help keep acid in your stomach where it belongs.
3. Loosen your belt
Tight-fitting clothing that squeezes your abdomen may push acid up into your esophagus. Loosen your belt or wear loose clothing if you’re prone to heartburn.
4. Check your posture
Slouching or slumping in your seat can put pressure on your abdomen, which may push acid into your esophagus. Changing your posture may help keep your stomach acid down.
5. Save the snack
Going to bed with a full stomach can cause acid to leak up into your esophagus when you lie down. Stop eating three hours before bedtime for an easier night’s sleep.
6. Change sleep positions
Elevating the head of your bed or sleeping on your side may keep acid down and reduce nighttime heartburn.
7. Manage your stress
Chronic stress can slow your digestion, keeping food in your stomach longer. The longer food stays in your stomach, the more likely you are to develop heartburn. Step away from a stressful situation and focus on breathing to minimize your stress response.
When to Call Your Doctor
Everybody has occasional heartburn, but if your symptoms happen more than two times per week, last for more than two weeks, or seem to worsen, call your doctor to schedule an appointment. You should also see your doctor if:
- You have difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Your heartburn comes with nausea or vomiting
- You’ve had unexplained weight loss
- You have a cough or feel a lump in your throat
- You’ve tried antacids for more than two weeks without relief
- You are hoarse or tend to wheeze
- You’re in extreme pain
- You are having diarrhea or black bowel movements.
- You notice blood in your stool
Uncontrolled heartburn not only makes your day-to-day life uncomfortable, but it can also damage your esophagus, leading to higher risk of cancer in the future. Your gastroenterologist can diagnose the underlying cause of your heartburn and work with you to determine a treatment plan.
You don’t have to live with the burn – schedule an appointment today!
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