TUMS FOR HEARTBURN RELIEF

Suggestions for Easing Heartburn Pain

Today's hectic lifestyles may often contribute to the occurrence of heartburn and acid indigestion. However, sometimes making the following simple changes in your lifestyle habits is enough to help ease the discomfort and occurrence of heartburn:

  • Stick to small, regular meals and take your time eating
  • Avoid large, fatty meals and spicy or acidic foods
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Note reactions to certain foods - for example, some people may find that eating chocolate or cucumber triggers their heartburn
  • Avoid lying down or stooping or straining to lift objects soon after meals
  • Quit or cut down on smoking
  • If you are overweight, speak with your doctor about starting an exercise program
  • Raise the head of your bed by six inches-this may help prevent the experience of nighttime heartburn
  • Drink a glass of water when heartburn occurs to help dilute and remove refluxed acid from the lower esophagus

The symptoms of heartburn are very common and in most cases, over-the-counter treatment and lifestyle changes are sufficient for providing relief. However, if the pain does not subside or if, despite treatment with the maximum dose, symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might have something other than acid indigestion. Please consult your doctor immediately if you believe you have any of these symptoms:

  • Chest pain - Severe chest pain should never be ignored. Sensations that suggest cardiac (heart) pain include pain in the center or upper chest, especially if it is brought on by exercise, or radiates to the arms (mainly the left arm) or jaw or is accompanied by sweating or nausea. Chest pain due to reflux of stomach acid is not usually this severe, does not have a strong connection to exercise and is usually rapidly relieved by an antacid such as TUMS®.
  • Difficulty in swallowing - The feeling or symptom of food being stuck in the throat that accompanies heartburn may suggest a narrowing of the esophagus. Persistent difficulty in swallowing has many causes and requires urgent medical attention.
  • Bleeding - Any bleeding, whether present in regurgitated food or the stool, requires urgent medical attention.
  • Severe symptoms - Severe symptoms, or symptoms accompanied by weight loss, loss of appetite and general tiredness always need to be investigated further by a healthcare provider.