When Do The Symptoms Of Heartburn Tell You That You Need To Get Medical Advice?

It is estimated that around 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at some time. In many cases, an antacid will sort out your problem and there is no need to be concerned. However, frequent bouts of heartburn may indicate something more serious and this is when you should consider taking appropriate action.

Occasional bouts of heartburn are very common and probably it is simply your stomach “chastising” you for that spicy meal that you ate. The acidic contents of your stomach flow back into your gullet (esophagus) and irritate the delicate lining, causing the characteristic burning sensation. This is called acid reflux and when this happens now and again it is not a problem as the esophagus lining has plenty of time to recover.

Regular bouts of acid reflux on the other hand can cause problems that can potentially develop into something quite serious. So, when should you be concerned about your condition? What do the symptoms of heartburn indicate that a visit to your doctor is advisable? Chief among them are:

• Your symptoms occur more frequently

• They last longer or have become more severe

• You need to take antacids for extended periods e.g. for more than two weeks, but your heartburn still occurs

• You are taking over-the-counter or prescribed medication but your symptoms persist

• Your heartburn is causing severe hoarseness and/or vomiting

• You are losing a lot of weight

• The distress caused is having a major effect on your lifestyle

A visit to your doctor will most probably result in a prescription for some form of medication such as H2 Blockers or Proton Pump Inhibitors. These act by reducing the amount of acid that the stomach produces and will certainly bring about the relief that is so desperately needed.

However, many people these days are becoming increasingly concerned about taking drug based medication because of the well publicised adverse, potentially harmful side effects that they are known to produce. This is certainly so in the case of heartburn.

Furthermore, a serious drawback with all conventional heartburn medication is that it only treats the symptoms of the condition and not the underlying factors that cause the problem. Consequently the relief gained is only temporary and if you stop taking the medication, back comes your problem.

Fortunately, you have a very effective alternative. Natural treatment and remedies do deal with and treat the underlying factors that cause the acid reflux to occur. By making strategic changes to diet and lifestyle and combining them with an appropriate form of natural medication you are able to take positive control over your problem, which is a much better option that simply reacting to it.

If you suffer regular heartburn then surely a drug free treatment that allows you to control your problem must be worth considering.

Dr. Mordin has heard through the grapevine that Shepard and Garrus are become very VERY close, and has some advice. And ointments for chafing. And reading material with diagrams…

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