| Severe heartburn caused by acid reflux and | | | | |
| GERD (gastroesphageal reflux disease) is | | | | When should you seek immediate medical |
| suffered by millions of people across the | | | | attention? Although the above symptoms are |
| globe. Heartburn feels as though one's heart | | | | typical for each condition, they may not be |
| is on fire. However, this feeling is simply | | | | the same for everyone. Therefore, it is in |
| caused by stomach acid being pushed back up | | | | your best interest to pay close attention to |
| into the esophagus, which tends to result in | | | | the symptoms you experience. If you have GERD |
| a burning sensation behind the breast bone. | | | | or are prone to acid reflux, write down the |
| Thus, the effects of heartburn are not | | | | symptoms you feel and refer to these each |
| actually causing the heart any damage. | | | | time you experience heartburn to be sure that |
| | | | is what you are experiencing. If for any |
| Unfortunately, it is easy to mistaken an | | | | reason you experience a symptom you've never |
| attack of severe heartburn for a heart attack | | | | felt before, or are worried that your |
| or vice versa. In fact, it is estimated that | | | | condition could be more serious than severe |
| every year over five million Americans with | | | | heartburn, Seek Medical Attention |
| chest pain, who fear a heart attack, are | | | | Immediately. It's better to be safe than |
| admitted to emergency. Of these five million | | | | sorry! |
| cases of chest pain, more than half are | | | | |
| noncardiac chest pain cases (NCCP), and as | | | | If it turns out that you are suffering a |
| many as 60% of these NCCP cases are GERD | | | | heart attack, the first few hours of your |
| related. | | | | symptoms are critical for effectively saving |
| | | | your heart muscle. |
| How can you distinguish heartburn from a | | | | |
| heart attack? Although symptoms may be | | | | In addition, make sure you see your doctor |
| similar, the following are the symptoms | | | | for regular physical checkups to help ensure |
| associated with each condition to help you | | | | that you heart is strong and healthy. |
| determine your personal diagnosis: | | | | Furthermore, if you have not been diagnosed |
| | | | with GERD, but experience frequent chest |
| Typical heartburn Symptoms - Discomfort and | | | | pains, be sure to bring any symptoms to your |
| or burning pain located directly behind the | | | | doctor's attention to receive a proper |
| breastbone, which is often accompanied by | | | | diagnosis. |
| burping, bloating or gas. Sometimes an acidic | | | | |
| taste can be felt in the back of the throat | | | | Finally, if you are suffering from severe |
| or mouth. Symptoms are generally worse after | | | | heartburn, medication is the only effective |
| eating, especially after large meals. They | | | | treatment to provide quick relief. The |
| may also worse after ingesting alcohol, | | | | following are three types of medications that |
| caffeine and after using tobacco. | | | | may provide you quick relief: |
| | | | |
| Heartburn usually feels worse when lying down | | | | - OTC Antacids - Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, and |
| to rest. Heartburn symptoms may subside after | | | | Gelusil. |
| taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid. | | | | |
| However, in severe heartburn cases, | | | | - OTC or prescription H-2 receptor blockers - |
| prescribed medication may be the only | | | | OTC Pepcid AC, and Zantac 75 - while |
| treatment to provide relief. | | | | prescription meds may be Axid, Tagamet, |
| | | | Pepcid and Zantac |
| Typical Heart Pain - A tight feeling in the | | | | |
| middle of the chest that may also feel like | | | | - OTC or prescription Proton pump inhibitors |
| squeezing, weight or pressure in the chest. | | | | - OTC Prilosec - Prescription Nexium, |
| Pain may spread into the shoulders, neck and | | | | Prevacid, Aciphex, and Protonix |
| or jaw. Sweating and shortness of breath may | | | | |
| also accompany symptoms. Heart pain usually | | | | Keep in mind that taking medication all the |
| occurs after being physically active or | | | | time to treat your heartburn isn't the best |
| exertion. | | | | way to treat your body, so be sure to discuss |
| | | | alternative treatment with your doctor. Try |
| Heart pain will not subside after taking an | | | | to avoid severe heartburn in the first place |
| antacid but can subside when lying down or | | | | by watching your diet and eating smaller |
| from general rest. | | | | meals at a slower pace. |