Heartburn
Heartburn is a common condition caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation. It can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.
Best medications for Heartburn
| Drug Name | Class | Route | Standard Dosage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium Carbonate | Alkalinizing Agents | Oral | 400, 600, 600-10, 1500 (600 Ca), 750-250, 800, 400-40, 500-125, 1177, 300-2.5, 500-3.125, 600-800, 250-3.125, 81-777, 600-3.125, 750, 1200-1000, 500, 15-421, 500-5, 648, 600-400, 500-250, 333.4-133, 750-80, 1000, 1000-60, 325-175, 1250, 300-800, 588, 420, 260, 500-1.25, 70-117, 71.5-119, 600-200, 600-5, 1250 (500 Ca), 500 (200 Ca), 400-24 MG | from$3.46 |
| Protonix | Proton Pump Inhibitors | Oral | 20, 40 MG | from$4.78 |
| Tums | Alkalinizing Agents | Oral | 500, 1177, 750-80, 1000, 750 MG | from$1.37 |
| Prevacid 24HR | Proton Pump Inhibitors | Oral | 15 MG | from$10.90 |
| Prevacid | Proton Pump Inhibitors | Oral | 15, 30 MG | from$10.90 |
| Reglan | Dopamine Receptor Antagonists | Oral | 5, 10 MG | from$2.65 |
| Carafate | Aluminum Complexes | Oral | 1 GM | from$62.82 |
| NexIUM | Proton Pump Inhibitors | Oral | 2.5, 5, 20, 10, 40 MG | from$10.16 |
| NexIUM 24HR | Proton Pump Inhibitors | Oral | 20 MG | from$10.16 |
| Cimetidine | Histamine-2 Antagonists | Oral | 400, 200, 300, 5-2-17, 800, 10-5-40 MG/5ML | from$394.44 |
Overview
Heartburn is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. It is also known as acid indigestion and acid reflux. While occasional heartburn is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter antacids, frequent or severe heartburn may indicate a more serious underlying condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms
The primary symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. Other symptoms may include a dry cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. These symptoms typically worsen after eating, lying down, or bending over.
Causes
Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, relaxes abnormally or weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Certain factors can trigger or exacerbate heartburn, including spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and certain medications.
Treatment
Treatment for heartburn typically involves lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, not lying down immediately after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent heartburn. Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids, can provide relief by neutralizing stomach acid. In more severe cases, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor antagonists may be prescribed by a healthcare provider to reduce stomach acid production.
Prevention
Preventing heartburn involves making lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, not lying down immediately after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help prevent heartburn. It is also important to manage stress, as stress can exacerbate symptoms of heartburn. Additionally, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol can help reduce the risk of heartburn. Regular exercise and maintaining good posture can also aid in preventing heartburn. Remember, if you experience frequent or severe heartburn, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or unintentional weight loss, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.