When infrequent and mild, heartburn is often not a cause for concern, you may still want to take steps to prevent it or treat flare-ups. The most effective way to do so is to change behavioral patterns that increase your risk of heartburn. To start, it is recommended that you do not lie down for 3 hours after eating a meal and reduce snacking during the night. If you experience heartburn at night, it may be helpful to sleep at an incline, with your head raised around 6 inches above your feet. If this position isn't a comfortable option for you, favor sleeping on your left side rather than your right. This way, contents will settle in the left-sided curvature of the stomach without irritating the LES. If you experience heartburn during exercise, try to wait at least two hours after a meal before engaging in an activity. Meals should be eaten in appropriate portions at a reasonable rate, do not overeat too fast. It is best to begin a food journal to determine what foods and drinks trigger heartburn episodes and should be avoided. In your personal life, you should try to reduce addictions that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as smoking, alcohol use, or coffee drinking. Stress and anxiety can also be contributing factors and should be eased. Alternatively, some medications are available to help your symptoms. Antacids reduce the amount of acid in your stomach by neutralizing it. By raising the pH of the stomach to a more neutral stance (pH of 7 is neutral), the acidic contents will not cause as much irritation. Acid blockers, such as Histamine H2 blockers, are used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach in the first place. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) work towards the same goal but are more effective in chronic cases. At Fast Aid Urgent Care, an outstanding medical team can discuss your concerns about heartburn, perform any necessary testing to provide a diagnosis, and offer treatment options to help ease your discomfort. We serve patients from Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Hostyn TX, Mullins Prairie TX and Ammannsville TX.