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Heartburn Reflux Treatment

Heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can be an annoying and painful condition that occurs after eating or drinking, according to Harvard University.

  1. Causes

    • Heartburn is caused when the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach is weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to enter the esophagus.

    Symptoms

    • Heartburn symptoms include a burning sensation and pressure in the chest along with a sour taste in the back of the throat and mouth. Heartburn can be a very painful condition as the esophagus becomes irritated and inflamed from the stomach acid.

    Home Remedies

    • Avoid spicy and fatty foods, as well as caffeinated beverages. Remain upright after eating or drinking, and avoid large intakes of food or liquid. Smaller meals are easier to digest and keep the stomach from becoming overly full, which can lead to contents being forced upward into the esophagus.

    Medical Treatments

    • Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat heartburn and acid reflux. Medications include Prevacid (lansoprazole), Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole).

    Considerations

    • In severe cases, surgery may be required to strengthen the sphincter muscle to prevent it from allowing stomach contents to travel up to the esophagus.

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