Treating heartburn

Heartburn is the most common symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux. Heartburn is a burning pain behind the lower breastbone that may radiate upward toward the neck. There are a variety of treatments for heartburn including dietary changes such as reducing coffee or chocolate, stopping smoking, avoiding lying down after a meal. In addition, there are heartburn medications that can be taken. The most common heartburn treatments are over-the-counter antacids that neutralize stomach acid and can be taken as needed to relieve most heartburn symptoms quickly. Finally, for severe cases of heartburn, there are surgical procedures to treat heartburn.