You recognize the signs; the painful burning that starts at your breastbone and moves up into the back of your throat. Heartburn, also known as acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is on the prowl once again and you need relief in the worst possible way. You head to the pharmacy to find a medication for your painful symptoms, but the shelves filled with many different over the counter heartburn medicine only serve to frustrate and confuse you. Which one will meet your needs best? To help you make the right choice, you need the facts about how each medication works and how to know which one will be the best treatment for you. Here’s a look at the three main options and how each one works.
Antacids: Rolaids, Tums and Maalox all fall into this category. Antacids now come in a variety of flavored chewable tablets that are supplemented with calcium, making this over the counter heartburn medicine as healthy as it is yummy. Antacids are known for working fast and working effectively on painful heartburn symptoms. You can take a roll with you so you can nip heartburn in the bud anytime and anywhere. However, antacids only provide relief for so long, and then the burning will rear its ugly head once again. So if you need fast relief, this is the medicine for you. If long term relief is what you are looking for, read on for additional options to treat the problem.
H-2 Blocker: Histamine-2 blockers, also known as H-2 blockers, work as an acid reducer in the stomach, thereby easing your heartburn symptoms. These medications go by commercial names of Zantac and Pepcid. Recommendations state to take this medicine 30 minutes before eating a meal to head off acid reflux and heartburn symptoms at the pass. However, if the painful burning sensation has already begun, this type of drug will be too slow to provide sufficient relief. Take them early, and enjoy the hours of relief that are sure to follow.
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Let’s say your doctor has already warned you about the painful side effects of your frequent bouts of heartburn. Your esophageal lining has been damaged by the constant exposure to the harmful stomach acids, and now it needs sufficient time to heal itself back up. The best alternative in this situation is a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec. While Prilosec can now be purchased as an over the counter heartburn medicine, most doctors recommend that you talk to a physician for an accurate heartburn diagnosis before taking this medicine.
Whether your heartburn is an infrequent visitor or too familiar for comfort, an over the counter heartburn medicine might be just the ticket. Talk to your doctor about the product for you and say goodbye to painful heartburn.
Links:
WebMD
FamilyDoctor.org
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