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Topic: Health Conditions, Heartburn and GERD Answer:Heartburn—also called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD—can be triggered by eating large meals or by eating certain foods. Some common symptoms of heartburn include a burning sensation in your chest or throat, a sour taste in your mouth, chest pain (especially at night or when lying down), or difficulty swallowing. Foods such as chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, spicy foods, orange juice, tomato juice, and coffee are potential triggers. If you are overweight, you also may be bothered by heartburn. Try these steps to prevent heartburn: § Watch your weight, and avoid eating large meals. If symptoms of heartburn persist, contact your physician. Medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and over-the-counter antacids may help. § After eating a meal, do not lie down, bend, or stoop. § Raising the head of your bed can help, as well; you can place blocks under the legs of the bed or purchase a product that raises the legs. § Avoid or cut down on certain foods such as chocolate and those named above. § Since smoking may also contribute to heartburn, not smoking may help. (Smoking carries so many serious health hazards, it's well worth it to consider quitting now if you smoke.) Learn more about heartburn in the Walgreens.com Health Library. Get help quitting smoking in our Smoking Cessation Center. View antacids and stomach acid reducers available on Walgreens.com. View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions. DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823. |
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