January 30, 2025 Michelle Schmanski

When Over-the-Counter Treatments For Heartburn Aren’t Enough

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux that most people will experience at some point. It can sometimes be unavoidable, even when you’re trying to prevent it. Most people can get relief with over-the-counter treatments for heartburn. But what happens when these treatments aren’t enough?

Here’s what to do when over-the-counter treatments for heartburn aren’t enough.

Over-the-Counter Heartburn Treatments

Over-the-counter heartburn treatments often work well for people who experience occasional acid reflux. A common medication to take during an episode of heartburn is an antacid like Tums. These work by neutralizing stomach acids. They are usually taken after heartburn has already started.

Famotidine and omeprazole are two commonly used over-the-counter medications for heartburn prevention. They each work differently and are not meant for long-term use without medical guidance.

• Famotidine: An H2-blocker that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It does this by blocking histamine receptors. Famotidine can quickly relieve symptoms or be taken before meals to prevent heartburn.
• Omeprazole: A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that targets the proton pump enzyme in the stomach lining. Blocking this protein pump reduces acid production at its source. Omeprazole needs to be taken daily for around 14 days for it to be most effective.

These heartburn medicines can offer significant relief for many people. However, they are not intended to treat ongoing or severe cases.

When Over-the-Counter Treatments For Heartburn Aren’t Enough

Here are several signs that over-the-counter treatments for heartburn may not be enough.

• Your episodes of heartburn occur more than twice a week.
• You experience severe or intense discomfort.
• Your heartburn happens at night and disrupts your sleep.
• You rely on over-the-counter medications for more than a few weeks to remain comfortable.
• You have not gotten any relief from over-the-counter medications.
• Your heartburn is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, a cough, or weight loss.

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to see a gastroenterologist for severe or chronic heartburn. They will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms. Many times, it is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Depending on your diagnosis, recommended treatments may include:

• Prescription Medications: Your doctor may recommend prescription-strength medications to help alleviate your symptoms. These often include H2-blockers, like famotidine, or PPIs, like omeprazole. Though similar to the OTC version, these are often given in higher doses and require close medical supervision.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: In some cases, your doctor may recommend radiofrequency ablation. This works by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A strong LES helps keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. During radiofrequency ablation, your doctor will insert an endoscope into your esophagus. An endoscope is a small, flexible tube with a camera. A radiofrequency device is then used to deliver energy into damaged tissue in the esophagus. This destroys abnormal tissue in the area, allowing healthy tissue to grow and take its place.
• Surgery: In severe cases of heartburn that does not respond to less invasive treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common method is called a fundoplication. During a fundoplication, your doctor will wrap a small part of your stomach around the esophagus’s lower part. This prevents stomach acid from traveling back up into the esophagus.

Frequent, severe heartburn can take the joy out of everyday life. If over-the-counter heartburn treatments aren’t working, it’s time to see a doctor and find the relief you deserve.

Don’t continue to live with chronic heartburn – schedule an appointment today!

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