Heartburn Meds

Severe burns caused by acid reflux and GERD (reflux gastroesphageal) is suffered by millions of people worldwide. Heartburn feels as if his heart is on fire. However, this feeling is simply caused by stomach acid being pushed back into the esophagus, which tends to cause a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Thus, the effects of heartburn are not actually causing the heart damage.

Unfortunately, it is easy to deceive an attack of severe heartburn for a heart attack or vice versa. In fact, it is estimated that each year more than five million Americans suffering from chest pain who fear a heart attack, are admitted to the emergency. Of these five million cases of chest pain, over half are non-cardiac chest pain cases (NCCP), and 60% of these cases are related NCCP GERD.

How can you distinguish heartburn from a heart attack? Although symptoms may be similar, here are the symptoms associated with each state to help you determine your personal diagnosis:

Heartburn symptoms typical - Discomfort and / or burning directly behind the sternum, which is often accompanied by belching, bloating or gas. Sometimes an acidic taste can be felt in the back of the throat or mouth. Symptoms are generally worse after meals, especially after heavy meals. They can also worse after ingesting alcohol, caffeine and after the use of tobacco.

Heartburn usually feels worse when lying down to rest. Heartburn may disappear after taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid. However, in cases of severe heartburn, prescription drugs may be the only treatment to provide relief.

Typical Heart Pain - a tight feeling in the middle of the chest that may also feel like compression, the weight or pressure in the chest. The pain may spread to the shoulders, neck and / or jaw. Sweating and shortness of breath may also accompany symptoms. cardiac pain usually occurs after physical activity or effort.

heart pain disappear after taking an antacid, but may subside when lying down or resting General.

When should you consult a doctor immediately? Although the above symptoms are typical for each condition, they may not be the same for everyone. Therefore, it is in your interest to pay close attention to the symptoms you have. If you have GERD or acid reflux may, note the symptoms you feel and refer to these each time you experience heartburn to be sure that what you are experiencing. If for any reason you experience a symptom you've never felt before, or feel your health could be more serious than heartburn severe, seek immediate medical doctor. Prevention is better than cure!

If it appears that you have a heart attack, the first few hours of your symptoms are essential to effectively save your heart muscle.

In addition, make sure to consult your doctor for regular medical examinations to ensure that your heart is strong and healthy. In addition, if you have not received a diagnosis of GERD, but experience frequent chest pains, be sure to bring symptoms to the attention of your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Finally, if you suffer from severe heartburn, the doctor is the only effective treatment to provide rapid assistance. There are three types of drugs that can provide quick relief:

- The counter antacids - Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, and Gelusil.

- In-counter or prescription receptor blockers H-2 - OTC Pepcid AC and Zantac 75 - while prescription drugs can be Axid, Tagamet, Zantac and Pepcid

- In-counter or prescription inhibitors of proton pump - Prilosec OTC - Order Nexium, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix and

Keep in mind that taking medication all the time to treat your heartburn is not the best.