Frequent Heartburn Can Cause Extreme Frustration

There is very little more frustrating than suffering from frequent heartburn, especially if its cause remains a mystery. For many, heartburn will follow the consumption of certain foods or an inordinate quantity of food or drink. When this is the cause it can usually be treated with over the counter cures. However, when frequent heartburn arrives with little or no announcement, it may be difficult to understand the reason for the suffering.

Often described as heartburn that is experienced more than three days a week for more than two weeks, frequent heartburn is often a sign of something else in the works. Before taking over the counter medication for long-term heartburn relief, the doctor should be consulted. Some medications are offered in different strengths, one for prescription strength and another for over the counter use. There may be cases when the lower dosage will do the job and can be better tolerated than those of the stronger prescription strength.

Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease is usually associated with frequent heartburn that lasts two or more day a week for over six weeks. It is far more common than many people may think and is often associated with the weakened lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This muscle is supposed to create a one-way street between the esophagus and the stomach. If it weakens, the stomach content can be pushed back into the esophagus causing the severe burning pain.

Treatment Available For Frequent Heartburn

Once the doctor has determined the cause of the frequent heartburn, steps can be taken to reduce, if not eliminate, the frequency of it occurrence. If it is due to a weak sphincter muscle, eating smaller meals for frequently can help prevent the food by flowing backwards. Additionally, lying down can also offer the food and accompanying stomach acid an easier flow back into the esophagus.

It may be necessary to raise the headboard of the bed to keep the food from flowing back up. At least, sleeping on more pillows to keep the head elevated can offer some relief to the attack of frequent heartburn. If it involves the stomach producing too much acid, despite a change in diet, proton pump inhibitors can offer relief.

These proton pump inhibitors vastly slow the amount of acid being pumped into the stomach and can put a stop to frequent heartburn. However, since the stomach needs acid to aid in food digestion, they should only be used under a doctor’s direction and usually not more than three weeks at a stretch.