Heartburn

1
Heartburn
More information can be found here

• How to Help prevent it
• By Melissa Bell

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What does it mean when people complain of
heartburn?

• Heartburn - a burning sensation
• that starts low in the chest
• and rises up beneath the sternum.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease is also known as
  GERD. This disease also contains other symptoms.

3
Can antacids prevent heartburn?

• Antacids duration is short.
• Treats only the pain at the time
• Will not help prevent future outbreaks
• Only for acute treatment

4
What causes heartburn?

• Heartburn is almost always caused by acid from
  the stomach irritating the esophagus and causing
  pain.

5
How prevalent is heartburn in America

• The number of Americans who suffer from heartburn
  is actually very large. The number is most
  likely about 20-30 million.

6
How can people prevent heartburn?

• There are a number of ways to prevent heartburn.
  
• Do not eat before bed
• Do not eat acidic foods
• There are medications that can be took

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What are some medications to prevent heartburn?

• Antacids- these are available over the counter.
• H2 Blockers- these are also available
• over the counter
• Proton Pump Inhibitors- this class of
• drugs are available over the counter
• and also by prescription.

8
How effective are Over-the-counter Medications?

• Can be extremely effective
• Patient needs to try various ones
• to see which works best
• May need to combine some for the
• best results

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What medicines work the best

• H2 blockers are most effective at preventing
  episodes of heartburn
• Take up to 2 hours before the meal
• This helps prevent your stomach from
• producing acid to begin with

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Where can you find further information

• Talk to your pharmacist
• No question is not important
• Some medicines can interfere with other
• prescriptions