Heartburn is caused due to stomach acid spilling into the esophagus and irritating the unprotected lining of the esophagus. There are quite a few causes of the problem, and the treatment has to be an integrated approach. As the problem involves the digestive system, eating habits are the major cause.

Avoid foods that induce copious secretion of acid in the stomach. These foods include citrus fruits, chocolate, mint products, tomatoes, raw onions, garlic, black pepper, chili, vinegar, all fatty foods, spicy foods, cloves, nutmeg, coffee, tea, caffeine or carbonated beverages and alcohol. Avoid cooking food with fat or oil, like fried or sauted dishes. Cook by boiling, baking, grilling, broiling, poaching or steaming. Eat small portions more frequently and avoid large meals that completely fill the stomach. Drink plenty of water, do not eat very fast and chew the food properly.

Do not get into bed for at least 2 hours after eating, and try to keep a vertical torso during this time. Elevate the head 4 to 6 inches while sleeping. Try to sleep on the left side, as it improves mobility and empties the stomach quickly. Avoid stress, exercise regularly and give up smoking. Do not exercise after a meal, as this would itself cause heartburn. Tight clothes, constant bending down, certain abdominal exercises, too much fat around the abdomen, and lying face down are some things that apply pressure on the stomach, causing heartburn.

Antacid medications mainly made of calcium carbonate, aluminum and magnesium neutralize the acid in the stomach. They act very fast, but are effective only for short periods (1 to 2 hours). Drugs like Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Nizatidine and Famstidine, which are known as H2 blockers, provide relief from the heartburn by suppressing acid production in the stomach. They take about 1 hour to take effect and last up to 12 hours. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) like Omeprazole and Lansoprozole turn off acid production by interfering with the proton pump in the mucus lining of the stomach at the last stage of acid production. It is effective within one hour and the effect lasts up to 24 hours.

If self-treatment is not effective within 3 to 4 weeks, it is imperative that the patient consult a physician. The heartburn could be just a symptom of more serious diseases like GERD, hiatal hernia, esophagitis or esophagus cancer.