Arbor Health | Arbor Health and Life | Winter 2019-20

A S K T H E E X P E RT S How can I cope with heartburn? The family medicine doctor says: Try some lifestyle changes. Heartburn often happens when you lie down after eating, so avoid having a meal within a few hours of your bedtime. Raising your head while you sleep may also help. You can use pil- lows to do this, or place blocks under the legs at the head of your bed. It also helps to limit alcohol use, not smoke and shed excess pounds. The general surgeon says: See a specialist. If you still have heartburn after trying lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medicines, your primary care provider may refer you for tests to check for other conditions, like a peptic ulcer or gastro- esophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD (frequent heartburn) can damage the esophagus lining and may cause even more serious problems. The physician assistant says: Be careful what you eat. Keeping a diary may help you figure out which foods or beverages give you heartburn. Then you can limit or avoid them. Common offenders include alcohol, fizzy beverages, citrus juice and coffee. Other heartburn triggers are tomato sauce, chocolate, mint, and fried, fatty or spicy foods. The internal medicine doctor says: Take an over-the- counter (OTC) medi- cine. OTC antacid tablets can provide quick, tem- porary relief. Other heartburn medicines, such as H2 blockers, work by reducing acid in the stomach. Some are available without a prescription. When taking any medicine, be sure to read and follow the directions on the drug facts label. Don Allison, MD Family Medicine Mossyrock Clinic 745 Williams St., Mossyrock 360-983-8990 Tom Anderson, MD General Surgery Specialty Clinic 521 Adams Ave., Morton 360-496-3641 Robin Rice, PA-C Physician Assistant Randle Clinic 108 Kindle Rd., Randle 360-497-3333 Quoc Ho, MD Internal Medicine Randle Clinic 108 Kindle Rd., Randle 360-497-3333 5 MYARBORHEALTH.ORG