As a person suffering from heartburn, you have to remember that you are not alone. In fact, millions of people all over the world suffer from this kind of condition and it is also a condition that existed for centuries or most probably since man first walked the earth.
First of all, you need to remember that heartburn is in no way related to the heart. As a matter of fact, heartburn is a digestive condition where stomach acid comes in contact with the esophagus. When this happens, you will feel a burning sensation that starts on your diaphragm and work its way up to your chest. And, in most cases, you will even regurgitate and experiencing having a sour or bitter taste on your mouth. This is mainly the stomach acid reaching your mouth.
Heartburn is painful and it can really stop you from doing any of your daily activities. This is why you have to know about the available medical treatments in order for you to properly manage heartburn and take control of your life from heartburn.
Over the counter antacids are the oldest and also one of the most effective treatments for heartburn. Hundreds of years ago, people chewed on chalk to ease heartburn. This is because chalk contains calcium carbonate, which is a very effective acid neutralizer.
Antacid tablets may be effective but they are slow to act. When compared to liquid antacids, antacids in tablet form are less powerful in neutralizing stomach acid.
If you constantly experience heartburn, antacids will be very useful to you because they offer instant relief from heartburn especially if it is caused by foods or certain activities. But, you have to remember that relief will only be temporary and over the counter heartburn drugs will not prevent heartburn from returning and it will also not allow an injured esophagus to heal.
The rule here is to see the doctor if you need antacids to get relief from heartburn for more than 2 weeks. This may be a sign that you may be suffering from a more complicated condition or a more serious condition that causes heartburn.
Your doctor will be able to provide you with better diagnosis and administer the proper or appropriate treatment for your condition.
There are different kinds of antacids that you can buy on drug stores but most are combinations of magnesium hydroxide and aluminum. This type of antacid may cause unwanted side effects, such as constipation or diarrhea.
If you want a more effective type of antacid, you will want to go for antacids that contain calcium carbonate. They are known to be the most potent in neutralizing stomach acid and are very popular among people who suffer from heartburn.
When taking drugs, always remember that you should follow the instructions in the label. Never take more than the recommended daily dose. In most cases, people take antacids right after meals and before they go to bed. It’s also allowed to take antacids if you feel the symptoms of heartburn. Just remember that you shouldn’t take more than what is recommended.
Lastly, always tell your doctor about your antacid use.
These are the available medicines for heartburn. Antacids are very effective in helping ease the symptoms of heartburn but you should always keep in mind that you have to see the doctor when you experience heartburn at least 3 times a week for 2 weeks. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.