What to do for persistent heartburn?
January 6, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne König
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Sebastian Mühlberg and I have been suffering from persistent heartburn for a few weeks now. It started gradually and I now have symptoms almost daily, especially after eating or when lying down. The heartburn is characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, sometimes accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth. I have already tried to change my diet and avoid fatty, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods, but so far it has not brought any relief.
I am starting to worry that it could be something serious and I wonder what else I can do to alleviate or even get rid of the symptoms. Are there any medications I should take? Should I undergo further tests to determine the cause of my heartburn? Or are there perhaps alternative treatment methods that could help me?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and recommendations, as the heartburn is now significantly affecting my daily life and I would like to feel normal again without these symptoms. Thank you in advance for your help!
Kind regards,
Sebastian Mühlberg
Dear Sebastian Mühlberg,
Thank you for your message and your trust in our online consultation. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from persistent heartburn and that the previous measures have not brought any relief. Heartburn can be very unpleasant and greatly affect your quality of life, so it is important that you take care of it and seek solutions.
The burning sensation behind the breastbone and the sour taste in the mouth are typical symptoms of heartburn, caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. In addition to dietary changes, there are various measures that can help alleviate the symptoms. These include avoiding large meals just before bedtime, elevating the upper body during sleep, and wearing looser clothing to reduce pressure on the stomach.
There are also various medications that can help with heartburn. These include antacids that neutralize stomach acid, H2 blockers that inhibit the production of stomach acid, and proton pump inhibitors that reduce the production of acid in the stomach. These medications can be taken in consultation with your doctor and can help alleviate your symptoms.
However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to undergo further investigations to determine the cause of your heartburn. This may involve a gastroscopy to identify any changes in the esophagus or stomach.
There are also alternative treatment methods that can help with heartburn, such as herbal remedies like chamomile or ginger, acupuncture, or homeopathy. However, it is important to discuss these methods with a doctor or therapist to ensure they are suitable for you and do not have any unwanted side effects.
Overall, it is important that you take your symptoms seriously and take care of your health. Please consult a doctor to further investigate your symptoms and receive individual therapy recommendations. I wish you all the best and hope that you find a solution for your heartburn soon.
Best regards,
Yvonne König
