GoodHousekeeping.com: Need Fast Relief From Heartburn? Try These Home Remedies
GoodHousekeeping.com recently interviewed gastroenterologist Bianca Chang, MD, assistant medical director of Gastrointestinal Motility at Cedars-Sinai, about ways to relieve heartburn—a burning sensation in the chest or throat that can occur after meals.
Heartburn is a symptom of both acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic acid reflux. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.
Chang told GoodHousekeeping.com that antacids can help ease heartburn, but some medications that reduce stomach acid, like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), should be taken with caution. Several PPI medications are well-known heartburn medications that are available without a prescription.
“There are some potential adverse effects to be aware of, particularly for those on long-term PPIs, such as an increased risk for gastrointestinal-related infections and an increased risk for bone fractures,” she said. “Those requiring long-term PPIs should discuss with their doctor what type of monitoring may be required.”
Chang told GoodHousekeeping.com that sleeping with the head of the bed elevated can relieve and even prevent heartburn.
“If you can’t elevate the head of the bed easily, a wedge pillow can be helpful,” Chang said. “Solely increasing the number of pillows under your head may not be enough and may result in neck discomfort.”
Chang told GoodHousekeeping.com that people with heartburn have multiple options for managing it.
“Acid reflux is treatable, and the medications used are considered to be extremely safe,” she said. “Also, just because you need to start a medication for GERD does not necessarily mean you will need to be on it for life—there are many lifestyle and/or dietary modifications that can be helpful as well.”
Those modifications including limiting alcohol, not smoking, managing weight, and avoiding triggering foods and drinks.
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