If you get attacked by heartburn, it is obvious that you will initially try out different home remedies. Once the home-made remedies stop working you may visit the doctor. But the word of conscious is that once you start getting regular heartburn, chances are that it is chronic heartburn. This should not be neglected. Regular heartburns may lead to serious diseases like gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. On the other hand, you might be ignoring GERD. So, visit a doctor immediately once you feel that you are getting regular attacks.
Change your lifestyle for the better tomorrow. The burning sensation around the chest area is an indication of heartburn. It is also quiet painful. Antacids like Maalox, Rolaids, and Tums and home remedy like baking soda may not help in chronic heartburn.
This kind of a disorder is a kind of gastric; it is characterized by regular heartburn attacks. You can identify the seriousness of this disease if the attack occurs twice a week. The acid enters the esophagus and causes inflammation. Hence it is identified as heartburn attacks. Chronic heartburn requires medical attention. Serious burning sensation in the esophagus may lead to esophageal ulcer, esophageal bleeding, strictures and even esophagus cancer.
If the irritation occurs below the breast bone and it is a repeated sensation of burning, then it requires serious diagnosis and treatment. Simple antacids and baking soda may not help. Prokinetic activators, H-2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors are medicines for chronic heartburn. At times surgery is also done to cure the disease. Immediate prevention is of great help. First, you need check on your diet. There should be small regular meal taken by you. You must drink lots of water. The diet should not include:
- Fatty and fried food
- Cheese, milk, chocolate
- Citrus fruits and drinks
- Alcohol
- Red meat
Chronic heartburn needs proper medication and prevention is better than cure. So, take control of yourself on the first attack of heartburn.