Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Heartburn?
Question: what can be done for severe heartburn, my husband is in pain and hasn't been able to sleep for 3 days with pain. we just did hog diet, could this be the reason why he is feeling heartburn and pain in his shoulders and upper body?
Brief Answer:
lifestyle changes , medication
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that the diet , since it would be new meal plan, would have contributed to his symptoms.
Reflux can cause severe heartburn, regurgitation of food, vomiting, acid or bitter taste in the mouth, bloating, severe chest and upper abdominal pain.
Reflux is treated by lifestyle changes as well as medication
Treatment involves : (1)small frequent meals instead of large meals that stimulate more acid production
(2)waiting 2 hours after eating before reclining
(3)elevating the head of the bed if necessary
(4)reducing or eliminating spicy/citrus/fried foods
Foods that are included are caffeine, chocolate, mint, citrus fruits, tomato, onion, spices
(5)medication
There are different types of medication. The best are proton pump inhibitors because these suppress future acid production but they would not help with the acid that is already present. Examples are prevacid, prilosec, nexium, protonix
The maximum effect may take a few days in some persons but when kicks in better that other meds for reflux
Because his reflux is severe, he may want to combine one of these with a faster acting meds such as zantac or pepcid.
(6)avoid medication that would worsen symptoms such as ibuprofen, naproxen , aspirin
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
lifestyle changes , medication
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that the diet , since it would be new meal plan, would have contributed to his symptoms.
Reflux can cause severe heartburn, regurgitation of food, vomiting, acid or bitter taste in the mouth, bloating, severe chest and upper abdominal pain.
Reflux is treated by lifestyle changes as well as medication
Treatment involves : (1)small frequent meals instead of large meals that stimulate more acid production
(2)waiting 2 hours after eating before reclining
(3)elevating the head of the bed if necessary
(4)reducing or eliminating spicy/citrus/fried foods
Foods that are included are caffeine, chocolate, mint, citrus fruits, tomato, onion, spices
(5)medication
There are different types of medication. The best are proton pump inhibitors because these suppress future acid production but they would not help with the acid that is already present. Examples are prevacid, prilosec, nexium, protonix
The maximum effect may take a few days in some persons but when kicks in better that other meds for reflux
Because his reflux is severe, he may want to combine one of these with a faster acting meds such as zantac or pepcid.
(6)avoid medication that would worsen symptoms such as ibuprofen, naproxen , aspirin
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
