Q: What are the causes?
A: Weight Gain, Stress, Overeating, Fatty/Spicy/Acidic Foods, Alcohol, Smoking)
Treatment options:
Antacids: best for occasional heartburn, provide rapid but short-term relief.
The second group of over-the-counter option is called h2 blockers. How are these different? Who should be taking these?
H2 blockers (acid reducers): Decrease acid production, last 6 -12 hrs, can take 1 hr before symptoms.
Finally, if you have more frequent heartburn, which is defined as more than two days a week, should you be taking something different?
Proton pump inhibitors: significantly inhibit acid production, best for frequent heartburn, can provide 24hr treatment with one pill)
