Heartburn
Adults and Teens
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid gets into the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and your stomach), creating a sensation of burning and discomfort in the chest or throat. Most people have heartburn every so often, especially after meals. Symptoms can last for minutes to hours but usually go away on their own. More frequent heartburn, however, should be checked out by your doctor.
Can I treat this at home or do I need a doctor?
You should see a doctor right away for heartburn if you have any of the following symptoms:
- severe abdominal pain
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- vomiting
- coughing up blood
- blood in the stools
- pain radiating through your shoulder, arms, back, neck, or jaw
- shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea
- unexpected weight loss or tiredness
- chest pain that gets worse with physical activity
- symptoms that have lasted for more than 2 weeks
Home treatment
Non-medication treatments
- Avoid large fatty meals.
- Have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day so they're easier for your body to digest.
- Avoid eating at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed.
- Limit foods that can make heartburn worse.
- This includes foods such as caffeine, carbonated or acidic beverages (for example, orange or tomato juice), spicy foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, onions, and peppermint.
- Alcohol and smoking can also trigger heartburn symptoms.
- Avoid lying down right after eating.
- If you are in bed, prop your head up with a pillow so that it is higher than the rest of your body.
- Try not to bend down or exercise on a full stomach.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that don't tighten around the waist.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Losing weight and reducing stress might help prevent future heartburn episodes.
Over-the-counter medications
Antacids (e.g., calcium-, magnesium-, aluminum- containing products, such as Tums®, Maalox®, Gaviscon®)
- Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach. They are designed to provide quick, short-term relief of heartburn symptoms.
Alginic acid (e.g., Gaviscon®)
- This is often combined with antacids. Alginic acid creates a foam barrier between stomach contents and the esophagus. This barrier stops the stomach contents from refluxing up the esophagus and causing irritation.
H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine* [Zantac®], famotidine* [Pepcid®])
- H2 blockers treat heartburn by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. They are as effective as antacids in relieving heartburn, but they don't act as quickly. Their effects do last longer, however, and they can be used before meals to prevent heartburn symptoms.
Over-the-counter heartburn medications are available in a variety of formulations and strengths. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which product is best for your symptoms.
What not to do
Here are some things you should not try and why:
- Do not take an antacid without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or on medications such as antibiotics. Some antacids can make your condition worse and can interact with medications you are taking.
- Do not use over-the-counter medications for more than 2 weeks straight without consulting your health care provider first. Your symptoms should not require taking medications continuously for more than 2 weeks. If these medications aren't working, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
* All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
What to expect
Your symptoms should subside within an hour after taking heartburn medication.
You should see a doctor if:
- your symptoms continue for more than 2 weeks or get worse despite treatment
- you're not getting adequate relief from heartburn medications
- you experience heartburn several times a year
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