Certain commonly prescribed medications can exacerbate symptoms of heartburn. The intense sensation of heartburn, also known as acid reflux, often lasts from a few minutes to several hours and is predominantly experienced in the chest region. Gastroesophageal reflux happens when the stomach’s contents regurgitate into the esophagus, the conduit that transports food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus is connected to the stomach by a circular muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) frequently relaxes or malfunctions, it permits the regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus. Prolonged exposure to gastric acids can gradually deteriorate the esophageal lining, potentially resulting in precancerous alterations or the development of esophageal cancer.
If you frequently or severely suffer from heartburn, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Individuals who encounter infrequent or mild heartburn symptoms can typically manage it by using non-prescription antacids or more potent prescribed drugs, such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or pantoprazole (Protonix), decrease gastric acid production in the stomach.
Less potent medications, such as antacids, diminish the quantity of acid that enters the esophagus, but they do not address the underlying issue that leads to acid reflux.
If you frequently or severely suffer from heartburn, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to assess the condition and explore alternative treatment options. During your medical consultation, your doctor will inquire about the nature and frequency of your symptoms and conduct examinations to evaluate the condition of your esophagus and determine the levels of acid present.
Additionally, you may consider abstaining from consuming carbonated or alcoholic beverages to lose weight.
Your physician may recommend lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments to avoid or alleviate heartburn symptoms. These strategies include consuming smaller portions, avoiding consuming items that provoke heartburn, and refraining from lying down with a stuffed stomach (allowing 3 to 5 hours between the last meal and reclining).
Avoid reclining or bending over quickly after a meal, as these activities can stimulate excessive acid production in the stomach. Additionally, you may consider abstaining from consuming carbonated or alcoholic beverages to lose weight.
Several widely available over-the-counter and prescribed medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), can exacerbate heartburn.
Several widely available over-the-counter and prescribed medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), can exacerbate heartburn. To prevent irritation, avoiding or consuming them with meals is advisable.
Additional drugs that might irritate the esophagus include narcotic analgesics like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac).
If dietary and lifestyle modifications fail to manage your heartburn effectively, a physician may suggest a treatment to alleviate acid reflux. UCI Health’s esophageal specialists provide incision-less or minimally invasive procedures to help acid reflux and prevent potential long-term harm to the esophagus.
