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. One of the biggest questions that people have about heartburn is ‘how long can heartburn last?’ It really depends on how severe the condition is.
The symptoms will largely determine how long heartburn will last. It can be frequent and last several weeks, or just come and go on an irregular basis. If the symptoms are only felt occasionally rather than constantly, they may be experienced for a long time before a decision is actually made to seek 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, reducing the amount that may make their way back up into the esophagus.
Antacids are commonly used and 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 to make the necessary changes in their life. By living a healthy lifestyle, 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. Going for a run or walking quickly each day for half an hour, will benefit you enormously and it is vital that you 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 with you, as well as perform a few routine tests in order to determine which are going to work best for you.
