- Chronic Care
Heartburn
Heartburn treatment available online today
In order to treat your heartburn, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to get a prescription for PPIs to get rid of your chest pain. Get a new prescription to treat heartburn or refill an existing prescription today.
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Learn about heartburn
Heartburn is also called acid reflux. Heartburn and acid reflux are often used interchangeably. Heartburn refers to the “burning” sensation in your chest area after a large meal. The burning sensation is actually stomach acid making its way up toward your esophagus.
Heartburn is common among US adults. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, heartburn affects about 60 million Americans at least once a month. Although heartburn symptoms can be short-lived, chronic heartburn can turn into a more serious condition called GERD.
Heartburn causes
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows upward toward the esophagus. Heartburn is caused by being overweight, eating fatty and spicy foods, being diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, smoking, eating late evening meals, wearing too-tight clothing, and pregnancy.
Anything that puts extra pressure around the abdomen, increases your risk of heartburn. Abdominal fat, stomach organ being pushed through the esophagus (hiatal hernia), or a growing baby puts pressure on the stomach, forcing stomach acid upwards. The extra weight and pressure determine how much acid contents move upward, causing heartburn symptoms.
Heartburn symptoms
Most people experience similar heartburn symptoms. Symptoms can feel mild to severe but are always temporary. Chronic heartburn is categorized as GERD and is a more serious condition.
Common heartburn symptoms include:
Chest pain (burning pain)
Nausea
Difficulty swallowing
Unexplained cough
Burning sensation in the throat
Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
Raspy voice
How to treat heartburn
Mild episodes of heartburn can be treated at home with diet and lifestyle changes as well as over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter treatments (OTC) can relieve heartburn. OTC medications like Tums or sodium bicarbonate help people experience heartburn less. Occasional heartburn can be treated with antacids and histamine blockers. Moderate to severe heartburn can be treated with prescription medications in addition to lifestyle and diet modifications.
Medications for heartburn
Heartburn medications work by blocking or reducing stomach acid. Common heartburn medications include Nexium and Protonix. Nexium and Protonix are in a class of medication called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which reduce stomach acid, allowing the esophagus to heal while also preventing further damage. These medicines are often used when antacids do not relieve symptoms. Surface agents such as Carafate work by coating the stomach with medicine to help relieve ulcer pain.
Nexium (esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that lessens the production of stomach acid, allowing acid reflux to subside.Protonix (pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases stomach acid production.
How to prevent heartburn
Heartburn is more prevalent among obese people and those who eat aggravating foods. Studies have shown that overweight and obese individuals are at higher risk of getting severe heartburn or GERD compared to those of healthy weight.
Avoiding certain foods can prevent heartburn flare-ups. Foods such as coffee, cola, tea, acidic foods, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, and fatty foods can trigger heartburn episodes. As a general rule, avoid foods that combat digestive health. Acid indigestion can be prevented naturally by avoiding certain foods and alcohol.
Eating smaller meals can help prevent heartburn. Smaller meals decrease the amount of acid production and ease the workload of the stomach. Try to avoid eating before bedtime or 2 to 3 hours before you lay down. Stomach contents may travel toward your esophageal lining more easily if you lay down too quickly after meals. If you must lay down, elevate your head 6 to 8 inches.
When to see a doctor for heartburn
If you have frequent heartburn, you should see a doctor. If you have a burning feeling or other symptoms, talk to your doctor about gastrointestinal disorders. If you have mild heartburn and use OTC medications, talk to your doctor because acid reducers may interact with other prescription medications. It is safest to ask your doctor which over-the-counter medicine is best for you.
Make an appointment to speak with your online doctor if you have the following symptoms:
Severe heartburn
Chest pain
Fever
Heartburn accompanied by nausea, headache, or vomiting.
Choking during eating
Feeling like food gets "stuck" in your throat
Unintentional weight loss
Bloody vomit
Red, black, or tar-like stools
Heartburn treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for heartburn?
The best treatment for heartburn is a combination of lifestyle and medications. If you struggle with heartburn, lifestyle and diet adjustments are best.
What is the best medication for heartburn?
Antacids, surface agents, histamine 2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are the best medications for heartburn. These medications neutralize stomach acid and reduce acid reflux.
What can I do if heartburn is severe or frequent?
Make an appointment to speak with your doctor if heartburn is severe or frequent. This could be a sign of a more serious condition. Persistent acid reflux is a concern for a more advanced stage of heartburn called, gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD.
How do I get rid of heartburn fast?
Taking prescriptions and over-the-counter medications reduces heartburn fast.
Does water help heartburn?
Water neutralizes acid and washes stomach acid off of the esophagus. Small sips of water are best, as guzzling water will make heartburn worse due to a fuller stomach.
What is the safest heartburn medication?
All prescriptions and over-the-counter heartburn medications for heartburn are safe. In the past, a well-known heartburn medicine, Zantac, was recalled and taken off of the shelves in 2020. The FDA continuously monitors the safety and efficacy of OTC and prescription medicines.
3 simple steps to request treatment for heartburn today
Step 1
Book a heartburn treatment appointment.
Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your heartburn symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription to treat heartburn.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Heartburn treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request heartburn treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Related conditions to heartburn
Heartburn is often a precursor to other conditions. Heartburn can cause other conditions if left untreated. It is important to see a doctor for heartburn so that you do not develop other diseases or medical conditions. Related conditions to heartburn include:
Acid reflux
Acid reflux occurs when the small muscle separating your esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) allows acid to escape from the stomach and into the esophagus.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
GERD is persistent and chronic acid reflux and regurgitation that causes damage and irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastritis
Gastritis is an infection caused by the norovirus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, and is commonly referred to as the "stomach flu".
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
IPF is a serious chronic disease that causes scarring of the lung tissues over time. Heartburn that progresses into GERD can make IPF symptoms worse. IPF and GERD commonly co-exist.