Antacids, H2 antagonists, alginates, proton pump inhibitors and other alternative treatments are used to treat heartburn symptoms.

Antacids

Antacids work by using the bases to relieve pain. Although the acidity of the stomach is splash into the esophagus ,yet they will be neutralized, resulting in reduced heartburn symptoms or they may be even eliminated. Antacids provide quick relief of symptoms of acid reflux, but the relief typically lasts for only a short period of time.

Examples of Antacids are:

• Alka-Seltzer

• Quick-Eze

• Tums, Alka-2, Titralac, Surpass Gum

• Milk of magnesia

• Amphojel, Alternagel

• Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Gelusil, Gaviscon

• Pepto-Bismol

Baking soda is a base, when they were introduced to the stomach, this compound acts as an antacid. A simple and relatively harmless way to treat a one-off heartburn is to drink a solution of a small amount of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed with water, which quickly neutralizes the acid that causes the pain. Excess sodium intake, however, is thought to increase blood pressure and cause health problems.

H2-Receptor Antagonists - Often called H2 blockers, H2 receptor antagonists work by decreasing the amount of acid the body releases in the stomach. H2S are systemic in that it requires the absorption into the blood stream to work. Therefore, H2S can often take 30 minutes or more before starting to work, and so are often taken to prevent heartburn, rather than for quick relief of acid reflux symptoms.

Alginates work differently than antacids and H2 blockers, forming a protective barrier in the stomach that prevents stomach acid reflux back into the esophagus. Alginic acid is naturally derived (from brown seaweed) and is not systemic. Alginates provide faster relief of H2 antagonists and PPIs, and longer-lasting relief with antacids. This is also known to have a better outcome for general relief.

Proton pump inhibitors, called PPI, are a class of drugs that may be effective for people who do not respond to antacids or acid inhibitors. proton pump inhibitors are systemic and directly block the production of stomach acid into the cells. To avoid heartburn medication disfigures and disables the proteins (proton pumps) that control the pH of the stomach, allowing the body to digest them. proton pump inhibitors are not fast-acting, but to provide long-term care. PPIs are drugs intended for short-term only.

Limiting Your Diet - Restricting diet is very important, since about 90-95% of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal disorder can link their symptoms of acid reflux disease to specific foods. Therefore, it is important that those who suffer from heartburn manage their diets as a way to treat their heartburn. Acid Reflux sufferers should choose the types of foods and beverages that have a low risk of causing acid reflux, while some types of foods or beverages should be avoided because they are major heartburn triggers. In particular, it was shown that fatty foods and drinks containing caffeine may cause symptoms of heartburn.

Drinking milk is not a recommended treatment for heartburn. A glass of milk can provide quick relief, however, milk contains calcium and protein, which stimulate the production of acid in the stomach more. Accordingly, immediately after drinking a glass of milk, heartburn can go harder.

Positional Therapy - Sleeping on the left side has been shown to reduce nighttime reflux episodes in patients.

A meta-analysis suggests that elevating the head of the bed is an effective therapy, although this conclusion is only supported by nonrandomized studies. The head of the bed can be elevated bed risers, plastic or wooden beds that support or legs, a therapeutic wedge bed pillow or a wedge or an inflatable mattress lifter that fits between mattress and box springs. The height of the prospectus is critical and must be at least be at least minimally effective to prevent backflow of gastric fluids. Some spring mattresses do not work well when inclined and can cause back pain, some people prefer foam mattresses. Some practitioners use higher inclinations than expected from the commonly suggested and claim greater success.

Surgery -In some cases, laparoscopic surgery of the esophagus may be an alternative treatment.