Help! What to take to help with Heart Burn!...?

Question

My roommate is pretty sick now. Heart burn problems... I've never seen it this bad - he actually just threw up. He's been taking Tums and Alka Seltzer........anything else to help??!

Answer 1

Pepto Bismol :-)~

Answer 2

It is not common for nausea to be associated with "heartburn." If your friend has a fever, or if there is blood in the vomitus then get your friend to the ER right now.

If he has a history of heartburn or of GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux disease), try a liquid antacid (like maalox) -- it works better than a solid antacid like Tums. Alka Seltzer sometimes makes symptoms worse rather than better -- I would avoid it. A dose of an OTC acid reducer (Zantac) might also help (but ONLY if your roommate is not already taking a prescription acid reducer (Prilosec, Nexium, etc.).

If, as another responder suggests, the pain is severe but localized to the right side of the rib cage (or even on the right side of his back), gallstones are indeed a possibility.

If the pain is in the lower right quadrant of his abdomen (and especially if he has a fever), appendicitis may be present and he should be seen by a doctor tonight.
Monitor his condition closely. If he doesn't feel better soon, get him to a doctor. if he exhibits any shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911.

Answer 3

Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter allows reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, causing burning pain. Prolonged reflux may lead to esophagitis, stricture, and rarely metaplasia. Diagnosis is clinical, sometimes with endoscopy, with or without acid testing. Treatment involves lifestyle modification, acid suppression using proton pump inhibitors, and sometimes surgery.
Treatment:-
(1) Eating only small quantities of food at one time.
(2) Walking or standing for about half an hour after each meal.
(3) Sleeping propped up on pillows.
(4) Eating a diet free of greasy, fried, highly seasoned foods.
(5) Taking milk and antacids if symptoms similar to those of an ulcer are present.
(6) Reducing, if the patient is overweight.

Certain foods and lifestyle are considered to promote gastroesophageal reflux:
Coffee, alcohol, and excessive amounts of Vitamin C supplements are stimulants of gastric acid secretion. Taking these before bedtime especially can promote evening reflux. Calcium containing antacids are in this group.
Foods high in fats and smoking reduce lower esophageal sphincter competence, so avoiding these tends to help, as well. Fat also delays emptying of the stomach.
Having more but smaller meals also reduces the risk of GERD, as it means there is less food in the stomach at any one time.
avoid eating for 2 hours before bedtime
avoid soft drinks
avoid chocolate and peppermint
avoid spicy foods
avoid acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes (however, they are okay when fresh.)
avoid cruciferous vegetables: onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts
milk and milk-based products contain calcium and fat, so should be avoided before bedtime
Please see the web pages for more details on GERD.

Answer 4

Is he a soda person? Since he's been taking the anti-heart burn pills already, try giving him coke or sprite or 7-up if you have it, since gas build up can somehow relieve the pressure in his stomach and chest and thus somehow relieve the heart burn.

Also, is your room mate suffering from chronic heart burns? Because he may have acid reflux disease or some modified form of acid reflux...in that case, I suggest to him to see a gastroentorologist to consult his case.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Gaviscon works pretty good but it is kind of expensive.

DO NOT drink milk as some people suggested. This treatment went out in 1980 when they realized that your stomach produces even more acids to digest the milk and increasing the problem.

Answer 6

Go to the pharmacy and get Pepcid AC or Tagamet. They are meant for heartburn and acid reflux. Use the recommended dose and no more. However, if your friend has sulfa allergy, don't use Tagamet since an inactive ingredient is lauryl sulfate. If he has a sulfa allergy, get Maalox. Maalox is an antacid

Answer 7

He threw up? Please call the doctor! Other home stuff-rolaids, mylanta, stuff like that. The tums should help-the alka seltzer may be what is upsetting his tummy. Take care.

Answer 8

A Cold glass of Milk without Sugar

Answer 9

He may have an ulcer, acid reflux disorder, or even a hiatal hernia..which is where your stomach protrudes through your diaphragm into your chest cavity. That would cause plenty of heartburn and vomiting. Have him get checked out immediately.

Answer 10

if he is having severe pains above the stomach but below the rib cage it might be gallstones. mine started with heart burn then i had bad pains and threw up the pain lasts for hours and i was curled up on the floor from pain. just a thought.

Answer 11

My husband uses a teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of water, mix together and drink, will cure it in no time