Choosing the Best Treatment for Your Type of Heartburn
More than 50 million adult Americans suffer from frequent heartburn. Caused when acidic stomach juices reflux, or flow backward, into the esophagus, heartburn sufferers generally describe symptoms that include a burning mid-chest pain, a feeling that food or liquid is coming back into the mouth or throat, an acid or bitter taste at the back of the throat, or an increase in severity of pain behind the breastbone when lying down or bending over.
While heartburn symptoms will vary from patient to patient, there are general treatment guidelines, based on frequency of heartburn, to direct individuals to the most appropriate and effective medication options.
Episodic or occasional heartburn is a common type of heartburn. Mild and infrequent, these bouts of heartburn are often predictable and are usually manageable in the short-term by avoiding certain foods or activities that cause symptoms (click here for link to Stop&Select Guide) or with traditional over-the-counter (OTC) treatments (e.g., antacids, H2-antagonists, also known as H2-blockers). Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and provide relatively rapid but short-term relief of heartburn symptoms. H2 blockers partially block production of acid in the stomach. The effect of H2 blockers varies depending on the specific product or brand used. One dose of an H2 blocker can last from six to 12 hours (click here to see how heartburn medications work).
Frequent heartburn is heartburn that occurs two or more days a week. Frequent heartburn sufferers may also be those whose heartburn does not respond to dietary and/or lifestyle changes alone, and/or who medicate heartburn symptoms two or more days a week. Some individuals engage in compensatory behaviors to offset heartburn discomfort, and because they do not always feel the pain, these individuals may not identify themselves as frequent sufferers (click here for the Frequent Heartburn Compensatory Behaviors Assessment).
It is estimated that more than 50 million adult Americans suffer from frequent heartburn (2003 National Heartburn Alliance Survey). To properly manage frequent heartburn, it is suggested that sufferers follow a routine that incorporates proper diet, exercise and medication.
The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) Prilosec OTC is the only OTC medication indicated specifically for frequent heartburn. Prilosec OTC provides 24-hour treatment of frequent heartburn symptoms with one daily pill when taken as directed for 14 days. PPI's, powerful inhibitors of stomach acid production, virtually shut down the acid pumps in cells of the stomach where stomach acid is produced, leaving enough acid for normal digestion of food.
Those who suffer from severe or persistent heartburn, despite treatment and changes in diet, could be experiencing early warning signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These individuals should receive prompt medical evaluation to confirm the presence or absence of GERD and determine the appropriate course of treatment for their heartburn symptoms.
Evaluating the type of heartburn you are suffering and knowing the relative value of OTC medications available are key to determining the best course of treatment for your symptoms (Click here for link to medication chart). If you have not found a remedy that effectively manages your heartburn, talk to your health care professional and seek assistance to find the best treatment for you. Even frequent heartburn sufferers can now treat their symptoms effectively with an OTC medication.
