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Acid Reflux: What It Feels Like and What Actually Helps
Got a burning feeling behind your breastbone after meals? That’s acid reflux — stomach acid coming up into the esophagus. It’s common, but when it happens more than twice a week it can be a chronic condition called GERD. You don’t need to panic, but you do need a plan that actually works.
Simple fixes you can start today
Small changes often make the biggest difference. Try these first and watch your symptoms for a week or two:
- Eat smaller meals and stop eating at least 2–3 hours before bed.
- Raise the head of your bed 6–8 inches or use a wedge — gravity helps keep acid down.
- Lose even a few pounds if you’re overweight; less pressure on your belly reduces reflux.
- Skip trigger foods: fatty meals, spicy food, chocolate, peppermint, and too much caffeine or alcohol.
- Quit smoking and avoid tight clothes that press on your stomach.
If these changes help, great. If not, keep reading about safe next steps.
Medicines, safety, and when to see a doctor
Over-the-counter antacids (Tums, Rolaids) work fast for occasional reflux. H2 blockers (famotidine) reduce acid longer, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like omeprazole) are stronger and used for frequent symptoms. Use OTC PPIs for up to 14 days unless a doctor tells you otherwise.
Be careful buying prescription meds online. Some drugs used for nausea or severe reflux — like domperidone (Motilium) — have important heart-related warnings and are restricted in some countries. If a site sells prescription meds without asking for a prescription, don’t trust it. Our site has guides on safe online pharmacies and warnings about risky drugs.
See a doctor if you have: trouble swallowing, unintentional weight loss, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, or chest pain with shortness of breath. These could be signs of something serious that needs urgent care.
Testing may include an endoscopy, pH monitoring, or imaging. Don’t skip this if symptoms are severe or don’t improve with standard treatment. A proper diagnosis avoids long-term complications like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus.
Want quick help right now? Try chewing gum after meals to boost saliva and clear acid, avoid heavy late-night snacks, and keep a symptom diary so you can spot triggers. If you’re looking into medicines or supplements, read reviews, check safety notes, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor first.
Our articles cover related topics like medication safety, where to buy drugs online responsibly, and recent safety alerts on heartburn medicines. Use them to get reliable info before changing treatments or buying meds online.