Nighttime Heartburn  a Common Affliction

Night time heartburn is a condition that all of us will face sooner or later. For some of us the condition is a constant companion. Fortunately, there are many different treatments for nighttime heartburn. They can help reduce your symptoms and your discomfort. They also lower the risk of developing serious complications from untreated heartburn.

Lifestyle changes are very important. In many cases it is unnecessary to go to prescribed medications or more aggressive treatments. Many people can find relief simply by:

• Avoiding foods that can lead to heartburn, such as alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, pepper, vinegar, catsup and mustard, and spicy or fatty foods
• Not eating anything for two to three hours before bedtime
• Chewing gum in the evening to boost saliva
• Putting blocks under the top of the mattress to elevate the head 4 to 6 inches

Over the Counter Medicines for Heartburn

If changes to your lifestyle don't ease your nighttime heartburn, over-the-counter medications may do the trick. The tried and true treatments -- the ones your mom always gave you -- are antacids, which neutralize the acid in the stomach. These include liquids like Maalox or Mylanta, and solid tablets like Rolaids or Tums. These can be very effective, but the problem is that you have to take them more frequently, since they only last a couple of hours.

Another class of over-the-counter medicines is H2 receptor antagonists, which reduce the production of acid by the stomach. Some examples are Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, Zantac 75, and Axid AR.

Studies show that over-the-counter medications can help with symptoms in 60% to 70% of people with chronic heartburn or GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease).

Treating Severe Heartburn and GERD

The newest -- and most effective -- class of heartburn drugs are the proton pump inhibitors. These work by blocking the effects of an enzyme that produces acid in the stomach. So far, only Prilosec OTC is available over-the-counter. Other proton pump inhibitors, such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, and Protonix, are available with a prescription from your doctor.

Many people find that one prescription medication on its own may not be enough. For severe GERD, you may need not only one to two daily doses of a proton pump inhibitor, but also a bedtime dose of an H2 receptor antagonist. You may need over-the-counter antacids, too. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the problem that's causing your symptoms. But surgery isn't always a complete solution. Some people still wind up needing medication afterwards. Be sure you're under a doctor's care if you take heartburn drugs regularly. They can slightly increase the risk of pneumonia.

The key is to get treatment. If you have frequent nighttime heartburn -- and lifestyle changes aren't helping -- see your doctor.

In recent years, we've become more and more aware of GERD as a risk for much more serious conditions, even cancer. It's not just heartburn. So you shouldn't be complacent about it until you have it checked out.

If you are concerned about GERD or suffer from continuous bouts of night time heart burn there is no need to suffer. I-70 Medical Center has a Family Clinic on the campus where they are seeing patients from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday thru Fridays. Dr. Charles Lea, Dr. William Brown, and Mary Dolan P.A. are all seeing and accepting new patients. Call 660-335-7074 today and end the suffering.