OVERVIEW
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Common Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn, also known as GERD, is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol.
Overeating, eating close to bedtime, and lying down after a meal can also cause heartburn.
Other common symptoms of heartburn include a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, epigastric or upper mid abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of food stuck in the throat. Some people may experience a burning sensation or pain in the chest, coughing, or hoarseness.
Common Causes of Heartburn
Picture this: you’ve just enjoyed a delicious meal, and suddenly, that familiar burning sensation starts to rise in your chest. But what exactly triggers this unwelcome guest called heartburn?
One common culprit is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – a muscle at the base of the esophagus that relaxes abnormally, allowing stomach acid to flow back up.
Certain foods can also spell trouble for some individuals. Spicy dishes, greasy delights, caffeine-loaded beverages, and acidic treats may exacerbate heartburn symptoms.
Eating large meals or indulging in late-night snacks can put pressure on your stomach and increase the likelihood of acid reflux making its unwanted appearance.
Lifestyle choices like smoking or consuming alcohol can weaken the LES, paving the way for stomach acid to sneak past its guard and cause discomfort.
Available Treatment Options
When it comes to treating heartburn, there are various options available to help alleviate those uncomfortable symptoms. One common approach is the use of antacids, which work by neutralizing stomach acid and providing fast relief. These over-the-counter remedies can be a quick fix for milder cases of heartburn.
For more persistent or severe cases, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be prescribed. PPIs work by decreasing the production of stomach acid, offering longer-lasting relief compared to antacids. Another option is H2 blockers, which also reduce acid production but in a slightly different way than PPIs.
In some instances, lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes or weight management may also play a role in managing heartburn symptoms. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs and condition.
Prescription Medication
When self-care tips and over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief from heartburn, prescription medication may be necessary. Prescription drugs like Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce stomach acid production, offering long-term management for GERD and acid reflux. Your doctor may recommend medications like omeprazole to help alleviate symptoms.
It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance when taking prescription medication for heartburn. Our medical providers will tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs and medical history. Remember that certain foods and lifestyle habits can trigger heartburn episodes even while on prescribed medication.
Consulting with our online doctors can streamline the process of getting the right prescription online without having to visit a clinic in person. With the proper prescriptions, you can effectively manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life by minimizing epigastric pain and discomfort associated with heartburn.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Over the Counter Medication and Self-Care Tips
Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort of heartburn? Over-the-counter medications can provide quick relief for those occasional flare-ups. Antacids like Tums or Rolaids work by neutralizing stomach acid, while H2 blockers like Pepcid or Zantac reduce the production of acid in your stomach.
Self-care tips can also help manage heartburn symptoms. Avoid trigger foods like spicy dishes, greasy meals, and caffeine that can aggravate your condition.
Additionally, refrain from eating late-night meals and try not to lay flat immediately after eating to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus. Making simple lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tight clothing can also have a positive impact on managing heartburn.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Reasons for further heartburn treatment
When it comes to managing heartburn and acid reflux, sometimes seeking help from a specialist becomes necessary. If your symptoms are severe or persistent despite trying over-the-counter remedies, and prescribed medications, it may be time to consult with a gastroenterologist. These specialists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions like GERD.
A primary care physician can also refer you to a specialist if they suspect complications such as Barrett’s esophagus or if your symptoms are not responding to initial treatments. Specialists can perform tests like endoscopy or pH monitoring to evaluate the extent of your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Additionally, if you experience alarming symptoms like difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, or chest pain along with heartburn, it’s crucial to seek evaluation by a specialist promptly. These could indicate more serious issues that require specialized care for proper management and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Benefits of Treatment Online
When it comes to managing acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD, online treatment offers convenience, accessibility, and flexibility. By opting for online consultations and prescriptions, you can receive the necessary care from the comfort of your own home. This not only saves time but also allows you to seek help without having to wait for appointments or travel long distances.
Additionally, our online treatment options often provide a range of resources and information that can empower individuals like you to better understand your condition and manage symptoms effectively. With the availability of antacids, PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), over-the-counter medications, and prescription drugs through our online platform, you can have access to a variety of treatment options tailored to their specific needs.
Overall, choosing our online treatment for heartburn can be a convenient and effective way to address acid reflux issues promptly. By leveraging technology and telehealth services, you can take charge of your health with ease and confidence. So why delay relief when help is just a click away?
Avoiding exposure to other illnesses
Online heartburn treatment reduces your risk of catching other illnesses. Waiting rooms can expose you to germs from sick patients. Telehealth lets you get care from home.
Protect your health and get started now to experience relief without leaving your couch.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
Fast and secure Telehealth platform
Our telehealth platform is fast and secure. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete our online questionnaire for our providers to review and send you a personalized treatment plan.
We use HIPAA-compliant technology to protect your personal health information.
This ensures only authorized individuals can view sensitive medical details. You can feel confident your privacy is safeguarded when using our platform.
Get Started Today
Ready to start feeling better? Get started now with MyInstantMD and get the relief you need from your heartburn symptoms. Our secure telehealth platform makes it easy to connect with a board-certified doctor who can provide personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.
Available in 50 states. No insurance needed.
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FAQs
Acid reflux causes symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. You can treat acid reflux by avoiding trigger foods, taking medications like Prilosec, Nexium, Zantac, Pepcid AC, or Gaviscon as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Yes, if left untreated, chronic acid reflux may cause erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or even esophageal cancer. Consult a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis through a physical exam.
Some acid reflux medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor blockers may cause side effects such as osteoporosis, infectious diarrhea, or gastrointestinal ulcers if taken in high doses for prolonged periods.
Telemedicine providers must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We use secure sockets layer, encrypt user data, and have a privacy policy that details how we handle your personal information.
Yes, sometimes acid reflux symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack. Always seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain or other alarming symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis.
To manage acid reflux, avoid trigger foods like caffeine and spicy meals. Maintain a healthy weight, eat smaller portions, avoid lying down right after meals, and consider quitting smoking. Monitor your symptoms using a smartwatch or journal to identify triggers.
