How to Heal Acid Indigestion Pain

Acid indigestion is a common complaint. It occurs when acid backs up into the esophagus, causing irritation. Sometimes referred to as heartburn or acid reflux, acid indigestion causes a burning pain in the chest and a sour taste in the throat. Symptoms may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours and tend to recur for most people. Pregnant and overweight adults are most prone to acid indigestion pain.

Things You'll Need

• Blocks to raise bed
• Over-the-counter antacid
• Over-the-counter or prescription-strength H2 blocker

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid foods known to cause heartburn and acid indigestion. Citrus, tomatoes, fatty foods, spicy foods, onions, chocolate, and mint may all trigger symptoms and should be eliminated from your diet, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If your symptoms improve, you can try to reintroduce these foods to determine if you can tolerate them.

• 2

  Stay away from coffee, alcohol, citrus fruit juices, and carbonated drinks and colas. All of these beverages may contribute to acid indigestion pain.

• 3

  Stop smoking. Smoking impairs the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, according to the Mayo Clinic. Moreover, stopping smoking improves your overall health.

• 4

  Remain in an upright position following meals. Whenever possible, do not take a nap or go to bed for at least two hours after eating. You can also place 6 inch blocks under the two legs at the head of your bed to keep you in a semi-upright position during sleep.

• 5

  Eat smaller meals more often, and avoid overeating. Overeating is one of the primary causes of acid indigestion. Stop eating when you no longer feel hungry, but before you feel full.

• 6

  Lose weight if you are overweight, and make lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, extra weight puts pressure on your abdominal area. This raises your stomach and causes stomach acids to back up into your esophagus.

• 7

  Eliminate as much stress from your life as possible. Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms of acid indigestion for some people. Aromatherapy, exercise, massage, and hypnosis may help reduce stress and heal acid indigestion pain.

• 8

  Avoid anything that places pressure on the abdomen, such as tight clothing and abdominal crunches and sit-ups.

• 9

  Discontinue use of aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications, unless told otherwise by your doctor. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends switching to acetaminophen if aspirin and NSAIDs trigger acid indigestion symptoms.

• 10

  Try an over-the-counter antacid, such as Mylanta, Maalox, Tums or Rolaids. Antacids neutralize stomach acid and provide short-term relief from symptoms. The Mayo Clinic suggests using an antacid that contains both aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. While antacids are not a cure for acid indigestion, they can provide temporary control of symptoms while you wait for other treatment methods to begin working.

• 11

  Ask your doctor about taking an H2 blocker or using a proton pump inhibitor if your symptoms are severe. The American Gastroenterological Association states that these medications decrease acid production, thereby offering temporary relief from pain. They also enable your damaged esophageal tissue to heal.

• 12

  Tell your doctor if your acid indigestion symptoms are accompanied by black or bloody stools, shortness of breath, pain in your neck or shoulder, sweating, vomiting blood, trouble swallowing or dizziness. These symptoms may indicate a serious illness that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.