Keeping heartburn under control can be a little challenging, particularly if you experience the burning pain often. Luckily, the doctors at Paragon Surgical Center in St. Thomas, VI, offer treatments that will help.
Heartburn basics
Heartburn happens when the acid in your stomach backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. The acid irritates the sensitive lining of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest. Other heartburn symptoms may include a bad taste in your mouth or trouble swallowing.
You can reduce heartburn by:
- Staying Away from Certain Foods and Drinks: You may be more likely to experience heartburn if you drink carbonated beverages or alcoholic drinks, or eat fatty, fried, spicy or acidic foods. Citrus fruits and juices, chocolate, tomatoes, onions, and garlic are common heartburn culprits.
- Wearing Loose Clothing: Tight belts and clothing press on your stomach, sending acid into the esophagus. If heartburn is a frequent problem for you, loosening your belt or choosing looser clothing may help.
- Avoiding Lying Down: Lying down after meals may increase your risk of heartburn. Waiting two hours after meals before lying down will help you avoid heartburn pain.
- Waiting to Exercise: Exercise is an excellent way to maintain good health, but it can cause heartburn if you do it too soon after eating. Wait at least an hour or two before you hit the gym or go for a run.
When to call the doctor
If making a few lifestyle changes doesn't help or you have heartburn often, contact St. Thomas, VI, surgical center. We will perform an examination, review our medical history, ask you to describe your symptoms, and may suggest some tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter medications that decrease acid production, weaken acids or strengthen the esophageal sphincter at the opening of the stomach.
Do you need a little help managing your frequent heartburn? Call (217) 592-2863 to make an appointment with our St. Thomas, VI, doctors at Paragon Surgical Center.