How can I effectively treat heartburn?
April 9, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Marcus Schneider
Dear Doctor,
I have been experiencing recurring problems with heartburn for some time now, and I am at a loss for what to do. It mainly occurs after eating, and I feel like it is getting worse. I have already changed my diet, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, as well as alcohol and coffee. However, I still regularly experience severe burning in my chest and an unpleasant sour taste in my mouth.
Even home remedies such as drinking chamomile tea or chewing gum have not provided long-term relief. This has been affecting my daily life, and I am concerned that the heartburn could lead to serious health problems in the long run. Therefore, I am seeking effective treatment methods that can provide me with long-term relief.
Could you please give me recommendations on how to effectively treat my heartburn? Are there medications I should take, or special therapies that could help me? I would greatly appreciate your professional assessment and advice in order to finally find a permanent solution for my heartburn.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Leon Sontheimer
Dear Mr. Sontheimer,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms. Heartburn is a common problem that affects many people. It can have various causes, such as increased production of stomach acid, a weak lower esophageal sphincter, or disordered stomach movement.
The measures you have already taken, such as avoiding spicy and fatty foods, alcohol, and coffee, are definitely a good first step. It is important that you continue to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to alleviate your symptoms.
If home remedies like chamomile tea or chewing gum are not sufficient, medications can be an effective treatment option. There are different types of medications that can be used for heartburn. Antacids such as Rennie or Gaviscon neutralize stomach acid and can provide short-term relief. Proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole or Pantoprazole reduce the production of stomach acid and are often used for long-term treatment of heartburn.
However, it is important that you do not take these medications on your own, but first seek advice from a doctor. A specialist in internal medicine can make an accurate diagnosis and work with you to create an individualized treatment plan.
In addition to medications, behavioral changes such as avoiding large meals before bedtime, elevating the upper body during sleep, and regular exercise can help reduce your symptoms.
If your heartburn persists despite these measures, further investigation may be necessary to rule out possible serious causes. In some cases, an endoscopy may be required to further investigate the cause of the heartburn.
I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a specialist in internal medicine to receive individualized advice and treatment. With targeted therapy, your symptoms can be effectively treated and alleviated in the long term.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and wish you all the best for your health.
Best regards,
Marcus Schneider
