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What Can I Take for Heartburn?

According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). It is the result of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.

  1. Home treatment

    • Heartburn can often been treated just by diet changes, for example, avoiding heartburn antagonists like chocolate, mint, spicy foods and tomato-based products.

    Over-the-counter treatments

    • There are dozens of over-the-counter medications for heartburn sufferers. For example, TUMS, Rolaids, Pepto-Bismol and Mylanta. These work by counteracting the production of stomach acid. Pepcid and Prilosec are capsules and tablets that patients can take once a day to prevent heartburn.

    Prescription treatment

    • Sometimes over-the-counter treatments fail as do diet changes. Physicians have a number of PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) to choose from. Popular ones include Nexium (though not usually covered by insurance), Ranitidine (brand name Zantac), Aciphex and Protonix. Currently only the ranitidine and Protonix are available as generics.

    Surgical Intervention

    • This is a rare solution, but there are surgical procedures that can fix the defective reflux valve that is responsible for letting acid flow back into the esophagus.

    Risks of untreated heartburn

    • Patient's who don't sufficiently treat their heartburn are at an increased risk for developing Barretts Esophagus in which stomach cells begin to grow in the lining of the esophagus, where they should not be. These growths can lead to cancer and when found, must be routinely monitored by a trained physician.

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