how to treatment indigestion and heartburn

What soothes heartburn naturally?

How to prevent acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion Eat small bites, and small meals. Cut back on alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Cut back or quit smoking. Don’t exercise on a full stomach. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing. If stress …

How do you stop heartburn instantly?

Nov 22, 2021 · Here are 14 natural ways to reduce your acid reflux and heartburn, all backed by scientific research. Vuk Saric/Getty Images 1. Chew gum A few older studies have shown that chewing gum may help...

What should I eat when I have heartburn?

Drinking Water with Baking Soda. If acid is the root cause of your indigestion, then baking soda — also known as sodium bicarbonate — can come to your rescue. Simply add 1/4 …

What are some natural remedies for heartburn?

Feb 01, 2021 · Here are some of the ways you can help decrease a flare-up of heartburn and indigestion symptoms: Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Chew your food slowly to help aid digestion. Avoid your specific...

How to get rid of heartburn?

Lifestyle changes can help ease heartburn: Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus. Avoid tightfitting clothing, which puts pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter. Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn.

How to avoid heartburn while sleeping?

Avoid lying down after a meal. Wait at least three hours. Avoid late meals. Elevate the head of your bed if you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep. If that's not possible, insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to eleva te your body from the waist up.

What is the camera on the end of an endoscope?

A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). To determine if your heartburn is a symptom of GERD, your doctor may recommend: X-ray, to view the shape and condition of your esophagus and stomach.

What is the purpose of endoscopy?

Endoscopy, to check for abnormalities in your esophagus. A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for analysis. Ambulatory acid probe tests, to identify when, and for how long, stomach acid backs up into your esophagus.

What is the best medicine for stomach acid?

Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) and omeprazole (Nexium 24HR, Prilosec OTC), which also can reduce stomach acid. If over-the-counter treatments don't work or you rely on them often, see your doctor. You may need prescription medication and further testing.

How to remember what your doctor says?

Make a list of all your medications, vitamins and supplements. Write down your key medical information, including other conditions. Write down key personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life. Ask a relative or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what the doctor says.

How to help indigestion?

Treatment. Lifestyle changes may help ease indigestion. Your doctor may recommend: Avoiding foods that trigger indigestion. Eating five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals. Reducing or eliminating the use of alcohol and caffeine.

How to get rid of indigestion in the stomach?

Fatty and spicy foods, processed foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can trigger indigestion. Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.

What is the purpose of a laboratory test?

Laboratory tests, to check for anemia or metabolic disorders. Breath and stool tests, to check for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacterium associated with peptic ulcers, which can cause indigestion. H. pylori testing is controversial because studies suggest limited benefit from treating the bacterium unless it is associated ...

What is the best medicine for acid reflux?

Over-the-counter antacids are generally the first choice. Other options include: Proton pump inhibitors ( PPIs), which can reduce stomach acid. PPIs may be recommended if you experience heartburn along with indigestion. H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which can also reduce stomach acid.

What tests are used to diagnose dyspepsia?

A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for analysis. Imaging tests (X-ray or CT scan), to check for intestinal obstruction or another issue. If initial testing fails to provide a cause, your doctor may diagnose functional dyspepsia.

How to get rid of a swollen stomach?

Spend time doing things you enjoy. Get plenty of sleep. Changing your medications. With your doctor's approval, stop or cut back on pain relievers or other medications that may irritate your stomach lining. If that's not an option, be sure to take these medications with food.

What are some ways to treat a swollen ear?

These treatments include : Herbal therapies such as peppermint and caraway. Psychological treatment, including behavior modification, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy. Acupuncture, which may work by blocking the pathways of nerves that carry sensations of pain to the brain.

How to stop heartburn from getting worse?

These can help cool your symptoms and prevent bigger problems later on. Eat smaller meals, but more often.

How to get rid of acid reflux?

Remain upright after meals. Lying down increases pressure on the LES, which makes acid reflux more likely . Avoid late-night eating.

What is the burning sensation in the middle of the chest?

Heartburn, that uncomfortable burning sensation that radiates up the middle of the chest, is the most common digestive malady. It's the result of a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), often called acid reflux, in which stomach acid leaks upward from the stomach into the esophagus.

What foods cause heartburn?

Common offenders include fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, garlic, milk, coffee, tea, cola, peppermint, and chocolate. Chew sugarless gum after a meal.

Does being overweight cause heartburn?

Being overweight puts more pressure on the stomach (and the LES). If changing your eating habits and other preventive steps don't get heartburn under control, talk with your doctor. He or she can advise you on which medications to try and recommend additional follow up if necessary.

How to help reflux at night?

Tilt your torso with a bed wedge. Raising your torso up a bit with a wedge-shaped cushion reduces the pressure on the LES and may ease nighttime heartburn. Wedges are available from medical supply companies. Don't just prop your head and shoulders up with pillows, which can actually worsen reflux.

Does chewing gum cause acid reflux?

Chewing gum promotes salivation , which neutralizes acid, soothes the esophagus, and washes acid back down to the stomach. Avoid peppermint flavors, which may trigger heartburn. Check your medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medications you take could worsen acid reflux or inflame the esophagus.

How to stop heartburn and indigestion?

6. Eat an Apple or Banana. Bananas and apples contain high amounts of natural antacids that will help to soothe your heartburn and indigestion. Ripened apples and bananas can easily soothe your burning and inflammation, and help to prevent the heartburn and indigestion from happening in the first place.

What to do when you have heartburn?

One of the best physical things you can do for your body when you have heartburn or indigestion is to bring your chin up. Heartburn will tend to become worse at night since you are lying down. In this case, gravity will work against you and bring any acids in your stomach upwards, making the heartburn worse.

Why is it important to track your heartburn?

Keeping track of what triggers your heartburn and indigestion is crucial for understanding when and where you will be prone to getting it. Tracking your triggers will help you understand what to avoid as well. While it will take time and effort on your part, tracking your foods is the best way to determine what the actual cause of your heartburn is.

What to think about after eating a meal?

After eating a great meal, the last thing you want to think about is heartburn and indigestion. As a passionate foodie, I understand that certain meals or foods can trigger a bout of heartburn and/or indigestion. That’s why I’ve discovered home remedies for heartburn and indigestion so that you can enjoy your food with the peace ...

How do you know if you have heartburn?

Since heartburn and indigestion are quite common ailments, many people recognize the signs and symptoms right away . Typically a person with heartburn and/or indigestion will exhibit at least one, if not a combination, of the following signs and symptoms: bloating. abdominal pain. acid reflux.

What is the best way to relieve indigestion during pregnancy?

Baking soda is one of the easiest ways to relieve your symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Since it is a very safe, natural method, it is a great home remedy to use for heartburn relief during pregnancy.

Can pregnancy cause heartburn?

Pregnancy can cause heartburn and indigestion in the later stages of the pregnancy. There is also a condition known as functional and/or non-ulcer dyspepsia.

What is the best treatment for acid reflux?

Millions of people experience acid reflux and heartburn. The most frequently used treatment involves commercial medications, such as omeprazole. However, lifestyle modifications may be effective as well.

How to reduce acid reflux?

One step that will help minimize acid reflux is to avoid eating large meals. Summary: Avoid eating large meals. Acid reflux usually increases after meals, and larger meals seem to make the problem worse. 2.

How many people in the US have acid reflux?

An estimated 14–20% of all adults in the US have reflux in some form or another ( 1. Trusted Source. ). The most common symptom of acid reflux is known as heartburn, which is a painful, burning feeling in the chest or throat. Researchers estimate that around 7% of Americans experience heartburn daily ( 2.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

GERD is the most common digestive disorder in the US ( 3. Trusted Source. ). In addition to heartburn, common symptoms of reflux include an acidic taste at the back of the mouth and difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include a cough, asthma, tooth erosion and inflammation in the sinuses ( 4. Trusted Source.

How many people have heartburn?

Researchers estimate that around 7% of Americans experience heartburn daily ( 2. Trusted Source. ). Of those who regularly experience heartburn, 20–40% are diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is the most serious form of acid reflux. GERD is the most common digestive disorder in the US ( 3.

Does coffee cause acid reflux?

Nevertheless, although several studies suggest that coffee may worsen acid reflux, the evidence is not entirely conclusive. One study found no adverse effects when acid reflux patients consumed coffee right after meals, compared to an equal amount of warm water.

Does chewing gum help with reflux?

However, it probably doesn’t reduce the reflux itself . Chewing gum increases the formation of saliva and helps clear the esophagus of stomach acid.

What are the symptoms of indigestion?

If your indigestion is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should call 911 or seek immediate medical attention: Shortness of breath. Excessive sweating. Chest pain that moves to your jaw, neck, or arm. Chest pain with stress or after exerting yourself.

What causes indigestion in the stomach?

Also called dyspepsia, indigestion is very common. However, indigestion may also point to an underlying problem in your digestive system, such as: 1 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is commonly called heartburn 2 Stomach ulcers 3 Gallbladder disease

What is the term for a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen?

Indigestion Remedies and Treatments. When to See a Doctor. Emergency Care. Indigestion is a general term that refers to discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen. The symptoms — such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or a feeling of fullness — often begin shortly after you eat. Also called dyspepsia, indigestion is very common.

How to get rid of acid in water?

Simply add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water, stir it up, and drink it.

What is the best treatment for stomach pain?

One type of psychological therapy that might prove beneficial is called talk therapy. In talk therapy , a therapist can help you find ways to deal with everyday stressors. You can set in-person appointments or use online services ...

How long does dyspepsia last?

Mild indigestion is not a cause for concern. However, you may want to reach out to your doctor if your dyspepsia lasts for more than two weeks. You should also contact your doctor right away if your stomach pain is severe or accompanied by: Weight loss or loss of appetite. Frequent vomiting or vomiting blood.

Can you take antibiotics for indigestion?

Some helpful drugs for more complicated instances of indigestion may require a prescription from your doctor. If you have indigestion due to a bacterial infection, your doctor will likely prescribe you antibiotics.

How to stop indigestion and heartburn?

Here are some of the ways you can help decrease a flare-up of heartburn and indigestion symptoms: Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Chew your food slowly to help aid digestion.

How do antacids help with heartburn?

Antacids for mild, occasional heartburn symptoms. Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid. They may be taken as soon as you experience symptoms, or before eating trigger foods to prevent them. Antacids aren’t meant to be taken every day, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

What foods trigger heartburn?

Examples include coffee, spices, onions, and acidic fruits. Eliminate fried, fatty foods from your diet. These foods are common triggers for heartburn and indigestion.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

yellowing of the skin or eyes ( jaundice) appetite loss. unintentional weight loss. Seek emergency medical attention if heartburn or indigestion are accompanied by the following potential symptoms of a heart attack: pain or squeezing sensations in your chest that spread to your arms, back, neck, and jaw.

Can indigestion cause heartburn?

Indigestion (dyspepsia) Some of the same food triggers for heartburn may bring on a case of indigestion, including caffeine, spicy or acidic foods, and alcohol. Indigestion may also be caused by eating large meals or eating too fast. Indigestion could also be caused by underlying GI disorders, including: stomach cancer. GERD.

Does excess fat cause heartburn?

Excess body fat can place more pressure on your upper abdomen and esophageal sphincter, triggering both indigestion and heartburn, respective ly. Avoid tight-fitting clothes. This can prevent pressure around the lower esophageal sphincter and the abdomen.

What causes heartburn in the esophagus?

It may also be a symptom of a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Over time, GERD may damage the esophagus, leading to complications such as esophageal cancer or Barrett’s esophagus. Risk factors for heartburn include: being overweight or obese. pregnancy.

How to stop heartburn from burning?

Watch What You Eat, Drink, and Do. Making some changes to your lifestyle can go a long way toward easing the pain of heartburn. Say goodbye to cigarettes. Smoking causes your body to make less saliva, a liquid that helps stamp out stomach acid. That can lead to burning in your esophagus.

What is the best medicine for heartburn?

If you have chronic severe heartburn, you may need medications. Both over-the-counter and prescription drugs are available. Antacids are usually the first type of drugs doctors recommend for chronic heartburn. You can get them over the counter. They work by stamping out the acid in your stomach.

What medications cause heartburn?

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other medications, such as some sedatives and blood pressure drugs, can trigger heartburn. Ask your doctor if any of your medications might be causing your symptoms. There may be something else you can take. Eat several small meals during the day.

How does cimetidine work?

They work by slowing down how much acid your stomach makes. They include cimetidine ( Tagamet) and famotidine ( Pepcid ). Ranitidine (Zantac) was removed from the market in 2020 after it was found to contain a cancer causing agent. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) also block acid production.

Does smoking cause acid reflux?

Tobacco may also cause your stomach to make more acid and relax the muscles at the lower end of your esophagus that can shut down the opening between the stomach and the esophagus. Chewing gum and sucking on lozenges can help you make more saliva. Avoid trigger foods.

How to stop stomach acid from leaking?

But instead, your doctor puts a thin tube called an endoscope down your throat and into your esophagus. They then use stitches or heat to create scar tissue to tighten the sphincter and stop stomach acid from leaking.

Does alcohol help with heartburn?

Alcohol can relax the muscles around the lower end of your esophagus, making it easier for acid to bubble up. Stay slim. One study found that overweight people who lost weight were more likely to have their heartburn go away. Another reason to lose weight: You’ll respond better to heartburn medications.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• To determine if your heartburn is a symptom of GERD, your doctor may recommend: 1. X-ray,to view the shape and condition of your esophagus and stomach. 2. Endoscopy,to check for abnormalities in your esophagus. A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for analysis. 3. Ambulatory acid probe tests,to identify when, and for how long, stomach acid backs up into yo…

See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Your doctor is likely to start with a health history and a thorough physical exam. Those evaluations may be sufficient if your indigestion is mild and you're not experiencing certain symptoms, such as weight loss and repeated vomiting. But if your indigestion began suddenly, and you are experiencing severe symptoms or are older than age 55, your doctor may recomme…

See more on mayoclinic.org

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment