Cochise Oncology

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How To Relieve Heartburn

Heartburn feels like a burning pressure behind the breastbone and can make it painful to swallow, breathe, or perform other daily activities. Luckily, there are several things you can do to alleviate this discomfort.

What is Heartburn?

Occasional onsets of heartburn are nothing to worry about, though they can be uncomfortable. Most people experience heartburn as a burning chest pain that typically begins immediately after eating or lying down. Sometimes, heartburn can even wake you up at night.

Over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes can often lessen these symptoms. If you experience heartburn more frequently and it begins to interfere with your daily activities, you may want to consult a doctor.

Severe cases of heartburn can have similar symptoms to a heart attack, which can be frightening if you don’t know how to tell the difference. However, heartburn usually begins with a burning sensation in the upper portion of the stomach and moves upward into the chest, while a heart attack is more of a pressure that starts in the chest and extends out to the limbs.

What Causes Heartburn?

Most people experience heartburn occasionally, but it is still unclear exactly what causes it to occur. When you swallow food, a muscle releases around the lower part of the esophagus, opening it enough to allow food or drink to flow enter the stomach.

After you have swallowed, the muscle tightens again. However, if this muscle doesn’t work properly, stomach acid can make its way up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn.

Though challenging to prevent this from ever occurring, there are some things you can avoid that may help. Heartburn can be caused or at least made worse by:

Fatty and spicy foods
Alcohol, coffee, tomatoes, and chocolate
Overeating, or eating right before you go to bed
Smoking
Stress
Excess weight
Unbalanced hormones
Some medications, including over-the-counter painkillers
Clothing that is tight around the waist

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How To Relieve Heartburn

If you’re experiencing heartburn, there are a few strategies you can use to relieve your symptoms. Several different medications ease discomfort by either neutralizing or reducing stomach acid.

Antacids

To help relieve the immediate symptoms of heartburn, you can take an Antacid to neutralize the stomach acid. If you experience heartburn regularly, antacids are not a long-term solution, but they can provide quick relief.

H2 Blockers

Though H2 blockers don’t provide immediate relief, they can be a more effective long-term solution. H2 blockers can reduce your overall amount of stomach acid, which can reduce the frequency of heartburn attacks.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, can also reduce stomach acid by inhibiting gastric acid secretion. PPIs can also provide more long-term relief from heartburn.

If you experience heartburn regularly, there are also steps you can take to reduce its frequency and severity.

Try to reduce stress and relax more frequently
Eat smaller meals
Lose weight
Sleep with your head slightly elevated, as this can prevent stomach acid from making its way to your throat while you’re lying down.

Testimonials

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At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.