Sometimes heartburn may be an indicator of some serious complications like heart attacks or even GERD (or acid reflux) - gastroesophageal reflux disease. And if you getting heartburn on a regular basis, the stomach acid that causes the same may result in the worsening of your esophagus.
Whatever may be the cause but heartburn is inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Let’s now glance over some of the important symptoms which are a warning bell to call your doctor.
You Have Unbearable Chest Pain
Heartburn which is accompanied by an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and pain in the arm, shoulder, or face, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain may not be just heartburn. It can be a severe cardiac arrest or a heart attack. Consult emergency services near you immediately in this case.
You Have a Prolonged Cough
From asthma to a common cold, anything can cause coughing so it becomes difficult to identify whether the condition is related to your heartburn. A persistent cough in addition to heartburn, both together may be making each other worse. Untreated heartburn or untreated cough can damage your esophagus, hampering your health.
You Have Unintended Weight Loss or Stomach Symptoms
Heartburn may often be a symptom of untreated acid reflux or more serious gastrointestinal issues that may lead to magnitudes that require immediate intervention. If you are losing your body weight fast without trying, has frequent diarrhea or nausea, notice any bloody stool or have blood while vomiting contact your doctor or emergency medical care provider immediately. Gastrointestinal symptoms can hint a whole range of illnesses from food poisoning to cancer, so play it carefully and see your doctor.
OTC Drugs or Antacids Stop Working
If antacid medications don’t work to relax your heartburn or if they have never helped in the 1st place your heartburn may have reached gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If that’s GERD the stomach acid washing up into your esophagus that causes the burning sensation essentially runs untreated or is out of control then GERD can lead to further complications like esophagitis and dyspepsia.
It’s Hampering Your Life
When any disease harms your life, it is advisable to consult your doctor. If your heartburn is prominent that even medications are not helping. You are forced to change your lifestyle to handle the pain which is impacting your work, sleep and even not allowing you to relax. It’s high time you figure out what is really going wrong, not only will it preserve your health but you will feel good too.
Now let’s look over some quick tips to get away with heartburn:-
Stand-up Straight
Posture is also one of the contributing factors towards heartburn. It matters a lot if you are lying down or sitting and then standing up. If you are already standing, prefer standing up more straight. Your upright posture puts less pressure on your LES - lower esophageal sphincter. LES is a ring of muscle that helps to stop stomach acid from mounting into your esophagus.
Elevating Your Upper Body
Heartburn can worsen if you sleep. Even lifting your head with some extra pillows is not sufficient as per Mayo Clinic. Rather your motive should be to raise your body from your waist.
Wear Loose Clothes
Tight clothing can compress your stomach. It is advisable to wear loose clothes as heartburn happens when your stomach contents rise to your esophagus and the tissue gets burnt by stomach acids.
Take OTC (over-the-counter) heartburn medications
Many OTC medications are available for heartburn and these medicines come in 3 classes:
- H2 blockers
- Antacids
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
H2 blockers and PPIs help to reduce the amount of acid secreted by your stomach and this can prevent or reduce your heartburn symptoms. Also, antacids help in neutralizing. These OTC medications are easily available with an online pharmacy.
Have Apple Cider Vinegar
One researcher suggested that having diluted apple cider vinegar post-meal can help relieve heartburn in some people. However, more research is needed to reach the level of statistical significance.
Mix Water and Baking Soda
Baking soda is believed to help aid heartburn by neutralizing your stomach acid. This home remedy is generally available in everyone’s kitchen. Mix baking soda in water and drink slowly when you have heartburn.
Stay away from Cigarette Smoke
Smoking is bad for health and can contribute to heartburn. It’s better to avoid smoking as there are chances that smoking can aid in the attack of heartburn.
Use Licorice Supplements
Heartburn is known to be treated with a Licorice root. It is supposed that these supplements might help boost the mucous coating of your esophageal lining, which may guard your esophagus against the harm caused by stomach acid. DGL or Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is a supplement that comprises licorice. Always consult your doctor before taking licorice or DGL supplements.
Dilute Acid by Chewing Gum
As per 2014 research, chewing gum for ½ an hour post your meal can help reducing heartburn. Chewing gum encourages swallowing and saliva production. This finally helps to clear and dilute stomach acid from the esophagus.
It can be concluded that whenever heartburn hits, many OTC medications, lifestyle changes, home remedies can provide good relief.
If you are looking to get authentic heartburn medications from an online pharmacy, your search is over. Life Pharmacy is the UK registered online pharmacy offering a complete healthcare solution. Since 2007, we strive to provide a complete healthcare solution with all the focus on personalized services. We are a family-run online pharmacy with thousands of happy and satisfied customers in London.
Give us a call on 0207 511 8292 and we will assist you with your requirements, even if you don’t find what you are searching for.
Stay Healthy!!