The Big Question: How Long Can Heartburn Last?

Heartburn can range from being so mild that it is hardly noticeable to being so severe that the sufferer may not even be able to get out of bed sometimes. One of the biggest questions that people have about heartburn is how long can heartburn last. When it comes to answering the question of how long can heartburn last, it really depends on how severe the condition is.

The symptoms of heartburn will be largely determining on how long can heartburn last, and it can be frequent and may last several weeks or just come and go on an irregular basis. Because the symptoms may appear now and again rather than constantly, they may be experienced for a long time before a decision is actually made to provide treatment.

Treatment

Anyone wondering how long heartburn can last really needs to focus on the type of treatment that they are going to use. Over the counter drugs are often used, and these work by neutralizing the stomach acids, thereby reducing the amount that may make its way back up into the esophagus.

Antacids are commonly used and typically provide relief almost immediately. These active compounds buffer the accumulated acid in the stomach and this helps reduce or eliminate the burn that is felt in the esophagus.

How long heartburn can last is really going to be up to the sufferer and how willing they are going to be to make the necessary changes in their life. By living as generally healthy a lifestyle as possible not only will you be treating your heartburn and preventing it from recurring in the future, but you will also be avoiding a variety of other health problems.

Lifestyle Changes

It is important to make a big change in diet first and foremost. You need to begin eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day and getting lots of exercise. Even just getting out for a half hour run each day will benefit you enormously, and so it is vital that you try to stay as active as you can.

Heartburn can be dealt with successfully as long as you are willing to make the right changes and stick to it. Your doctor will be able to discuss the treatment methods that are available more with you as well as perform a few routine tests in order to determine which are going to work best for you.