If you have ever experienced its burning presence, you’ll understand a sufferer’s urgent need to stop heartburn. Heartburn occurs when there is a backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus which causes a painful burning feeling round the chest and heart area as well as a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth. This may also be known as acid indigestion. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, it can be termed gastro esophageal reflux (GERD).

Of course, the ideal is to stop heartburn before it even begins. However, it is too late to worry about prevention if you are already in its throes. The burning sensation that comes up from your stomach or lower chest into the throat is so unpleasant that sufferers are usually desperate to stop heartburn pain quickly. Unless it can be circumvented, heartburn can last a number of hours and usually worsens after eating, and when bending over or lying down.

The most popular way to stop heartburn is with over the counter medications. There are a range of heartburn medications designed to alleviate or stop heartburn symptoms. These include antacids which neutralize stomach acid and may give quick pain relief. Always check that you are allowed such over the counter medications before taking them. If over the counter medications do not stop heartburn symptoms you will probably need to visit your doctor and get a prescription strength medication.

Natural treatments to stop heartburn are another way to try and stop heartburn. Not all alternative heartburn treatments work for everyone and it is advisable to speak with your doctor before trying such treatments. You may have to try a few different treatments and see which works best for you.

You can often stop heartburn from occurring in the first place by avoiding such things as fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks. It is also a good idea to keep a food diary and write down everything you eat and drink as well as any medications you take. Record when you experience heartburn in this diary as well. You should soon be able to detect a pattern and identify things that trigger your heartburn. Removing these triggers from your life can often help stop heartburn from occurring altogether.

Other steps you can take to try and stop heartburn are to avoid eating for a couple of hours before bedtime, avoid tight clothes around your stomach, and elevate your head while you sleep.

If you are willing to pay attention and take action, you can take charge of your health and stop heartburn pain from affecting your life. It’s more than worth your time and effort.