Treatment Options for Heartburn
Changing your routines and nonprescription medications could be the only thing you need to do to treat slight to moderate heartburn. You should take a record of your heartburn symptoms beforehand and also after starting any lifestyle changes or taking nonprescription drugs so you have a record of everything in case you need to see a doctor
Different Treatment Options for Heartburn
Stomach Acid Reducers
Acid reducers also known as histamine receptor (or H2) blockers, reduce the measure of acid that is being produced by the stomach, which may lessen irritation to the stomach coating and reduce heartburn. A few examples of nonprescription acid reducers are Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, Zantac 75, and Axid AR.
Antacids
A lot of people use nonprescription antacids for slight or random heartburn. If you make use of antacids frequently, with no results you should then set an appointment see your doctor.
• Antacids, like Tums, Mylanta, or Maalox offset some of the stomach acids for about 30 minutes to 2 hours, this depends largely on if your stomach is full or empty. Liquid or dissolving antacids normally work faster than the tablets.
• Quite a number of antacids for instance Gaviscon, have a frothing agent (alginate) that works as a boundary between stomach acid and the throat.
• Antacids like Pepto-Bismol coat the throat and work as a boundary to reflux acid. Pepto-Bismol must not be used for over 3 weeks and you must not use it if you take aspirin. It might change the color of your tongue or stools to black. This color is normally not a problem, brushing your teeth and tongue when you use Pepto-Bismol may stop your tongue from turning black.
Antacids work more rapidly than acid reducers (H2 blockers), however, their impact does not last more than 1 to 2 hours. H2 blockers can give relief for up to 12 hours. There are many different treatment options that you can be used for heartburn, but make sure you seek medical advice before commencing treatment.
Antacids have side effects. They may bring about diarrhea or constipation. Additionally, antacids can change how your body interacts with other medicines.
If you have any health problems, you should talk to your doctor before you begin to use antacids. If you have kidney disease it is very important for you to talk about the use of an antacid with your doctor first. The frequent use of antacids that have magnesium or aluminium could bring about major risks for people who have kidney disease.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), for example, omeprazole (for instance, Prilosec), lessen stomach acid and adequately treat serious heartburn symptoms. These acid-reducing medications are made use of when your heartburn is persistent after using other home treatment options, antacids, or H2 blockers. You may need to take PPI for up to 5 days before you can feel better. They are also safe for use if you have kidney or liver issues. PPIs are accessible without the need for a prescription.
Acid reducers can in some cases alter the way other medicines work when you go for treatment options that can be used for heartburn. If you are using medicines that are prescribed make sure you speak with your doctor before you use a nonprescription acid reducer.
Tips On Preventing Heartburn
Improve your habits and lifestyle to avoid the symptoms of heartburn. Here are the few options to try:
• Change your eating habit.
• It’s good to eat many small meals rather than a few large meals.
• After you eat, hold up for 2 to 3 hours before you rest on your back. Eating late-night snacks is not a good idea.
• Chocolate, mint, and liquor can aggravate heartburn. They unwind the valve between the throat and the stomach.
• Spicy foods, foods that have a great measure of acid (like tomatoes and oranges), and espresso can aggravate symptoms of heartburn in few people. If symptoms remain worse after eating a particular food, you may have to quit eating that food to check whether the symptoms will improve.
• Do not smoke or nibble tobacco.
• If you have heartburn at night, lift the head of your bed 6 in. (15 cm) to 8 in. (20 cm) by putting the edge on squares or setting a froth wedge under the head of your mattress.
• Do not wear a tight cloth around your middle. Reduce your weight if you need to, losing only 5 to 10 pounds can be helpful.
Rx Oasis carries the entire range of medication, both OTC and Rx, at competitive pricing. Our pharmacists are available to answer questions at 813-677-6000 or 813-570-7194.
