Heart burn is a pain behind the breastbone that typically develops at night, right after eating, when lying down or bending over. It occurs when the sphincter in the esophagus weakens or abnormally relaxes, causing stomach acid and undigested food to come back up the esophagus. Because heart burn can be painful, it is important to understand ways to treat and prevent it.
Step 1
Take an over-the-counter medication to ease heart burn symptoms. The Mayo Clinic explains that there are three kinds: H-2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Both H-2 blockers and pump inhibitors decrease the acid in your stomach---antacids just neutralize it.
Step 2
Avoid foods and beverages that trigger heartburn. Although everyone has specific ones, some common triggers include fatty foods, soft drinks, orange juice, tomato sauce and alcohol.
Step 3
Exercise and eat a nutritious diet to maintain a healthy weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, excess weight pushes on the stomach, encouraging acids to creep back up the esophagus.
Step 4
Elevate the top of your bed by about six to nine inches using a wooden block. The FamilyDoctor website explains this can help treat and prevent heart burn at bedtime. If you cannot elevate your bed this way, place a wedge between the box spring and mattress so that you are elevated from the waist up.
Tips and Warnings
- Because stress can provoke and worsen heart burn, the Mayo Clinic suggests finding ways to relieve your anxiety. Consider exercise, aromatherapy, listening to your favorite music, hypnosis or massage. For best results, read the instructions on any over-the-counter acid reducer medications and follow them carefully. If medications and home remedies prove to be ineffective, talk to a doctor. He may be able to prescribe a prescription strength medication or offer other treatment options.
- The FamilyDoctor website warns that frequent heart burn can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus. In severe cases, it can even narrow the esophagus and cause bleeding or swallowing difficulty. See a doctor if you have chronic heart burn, it may be the sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a peptic ulcer or a hiatal hernia.
Things You'll Need
- Acid reducer medication
- Wooden block or wedge
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