Remedies for Heartburn
What Are the Treatments for Heartburn?
Most doctors advocate antacids for occasional heartburn. Sometimes, more potent or long-term antacid prescription medications may be needed. Occasionally, surgery is recommended to prevent reflux and heartburn. The primary objective is to identify the cause of the heartburn so it can be avoided in the future.
Over-the-counter antacids are commonly prescribed to neutralize stomach acid. If antacids don't quell the symptoms, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter heartburn drug such as Pepcid AC, Tagamet HR, Axid AR, or Zantac 75.
Treatment Tips for Occasional Heartburn Sufferers
You eat a big meal out, late at night. You indulge in seconds and then thirds, have a few too many glasses of wine or cups of coffee, and then go to bed on a full stomach. Wake up a few hours later, and the pain is screaming upward from your chest into your throat. You groan: Sleep is impossible. You finally roll over, get out of bed, and stumble to the medicine cabinet. What can you do to stop heartburn fast?
Read the Treatment Tips for Occasional Heartburn Sufferers article > >
If heartburn symptoms persist, your doctor can turn to drugs such as Prevacid, Prilosec, Zegerid ,Nexium, Protonix, Kapidex, or Aciphex to reduce the stomach's production of acid, or Reglan to make the stomach empty itself faster.
When all else fails, surgery may be required to repair the lower esophageal sphincter. This surgery can now be done using a laparoscope and requires only a short hospital stay.
WebMD Medical Reference
Today in Heartburn/GERD
WebMD Special Sections
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.