Heartburn Treatments for Chronic Concerns

Heartburn is something that many people deal with on occasion. It can be caused by spicy foods, stress and by certain medications. The issues can be mild or can become painful enough to include chest pain and back pain. In some cases, you may begin to see ongoing or even chronic issues. Having chronic issues means you likely need to have heartburn treatments that are prescribed by a doctor. Here are a few of those treatments and what you need to know about each one. 

Proton Pump Inhibitors

One of the leading medical heartburn treatments is using proton pump inhibitors. This type of medication works to reduce the production of stomach acid over a long period of time. For example, many of the medications that fall under the title of proton pump inhibitor last for 12 to 24 hours. Some also come in an extended slow-release form to ensure your body is receiving the medication throughout the day. This allows the acid to be dealt with in a continuous circuit if you are taking the medications as directed. Your doctor will monitor you for at least 4 to 6 weeks on this type of medication to determine if it is helping you. 

H2 Antagonists

An H2 antagonist medication works to reduce the production of stomach acid, but in a different way than other medications. This heartburn treatment works on the histamines that are developed by your stomach. By reducing the histamines, you also are reducing the stomach acids that are created in your stomach. That can reduce the heartburn that you are feeling and reduce the issues you are having that are now considered chronic. 

Surgical Treatments

When medications no longer work for you as a heartburn treatment, your doctor may consider surgical treatments. These treatments start with endoscopic procedures to determine what the cause of the heartburn may be. Once it is determined where the issues are stemming from, the doctor will then move forward with surgery to help reduce the problem and end the chronic heartburn issues you are having. The surgery options can vary greatly depending on your specific issues, and those options will be discussed during your surgical consultation. 

When you are ready to look into the heartburn treatments that may be ideal for you, contact your doctor. They will discuss your options based on your specific heartburn issues. They will also develop a treatment plan for you to help you with your chronic issues. If you have specific questions, ask your doctor during your consultation.