Reducing Heartburn

by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

Heartburn is very frustrating because one of the problems is it is hard to distinguish from actual heart pain. The thing about heartburn that you have to realize is there are certain things that make heartburn worse:  acid, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. All of those things will build up stomach acid, and as they do, it can make that heartburn worse.

One of the things I believe that’s very important in dealing with heartburn is you also elevate the head of the bed. If you go to bed, make sure you actually have your head a little higher. Gravity will help you deal with it. That certainly will help with the symptoms.