Common GI Symptoms
Common GI Symptoms > Heartburn (gastro-esophageal reflux)
Common GI Symptoms > Heartburn (gastro-esophageal reflux)
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a sensation of burning in the chest that often travels upwards towards the throat. It may be accompanied by regurgitation, which is the sensation of liquid going up your esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. These symptoms are often caused by acid reflux, which is when the acid that is normally in your stomach moves upwards into the esophagus. Another term for acid reflux is “gastroesophageal reflux disease,” or GERD (see image below).
What are the other symptoms of acid reflux?
Is there anything I can do on my own to improve my symptoms?
You might feel better if you:
What treatments can help with my acid reflux?
There are a few main types of medicines that can help with the symptoms of acid reflux: antacids, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. All of these medicines work by reducing or blocking stomach acid. But they each do that in a different way.
Antacids can relieve mild symptoms, but they work only for a short time. Histamine blockers are stronger and last longer than antacids. Proton pump inhibitors are the most effective medicines in treating GERD. You can buy antacids without a prescription but Histamine blockers and Proton pump inhibitors require a doctor’s prescription
Should I see a doctor or nurse about my acid reflux?
Some people can manage their acid reflux on their own by changing their habits or taking non-prescription medicines. But you should see a doctor or nurse if:
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