QuestionI have been going through a little bit more stress lately, with just moving out west from MI. My heartburn will not go away. I usually don't get heartburn. Could this be an ulcer, and if so what can I do while waiting for my appt. for the doctor.
AnswerDawn,
This is all based on what I would do if I were you. I am not a licensed prescriber, but I am a nurse and have had heartburn/reflux before:
#1) Make sure this is not related to your heart--high blood pressure or heart problems in your history? See a doc right away. Chest pain, arm pain, shoulder, pain between the shoulder blades, pain in the jaw, pressure, sweating, feeling an impending sense of doom, racing heart--go to an ER for these things.
#2) Avoiding making an ulcer bleed, if you have an ulcer: For your safety, in case it is an ulcer, avoid all aspirin and antiinflammatory products. Aspirin is in Pepto-Bismol, so DON"T USE PEPTO BISMOL for the acid.
#3) To reduce the indigestion: You could take over the counter acid blockers in the meantime. Could be an ulcer, but try the acid blockers and a doctor's visit first. For acid that is urgently burning, I would try Gaviscon (check with the pharmacist that you don't have any conditions or allergies that would prevent you from taking it). For daily non-prescription control, I think Tagamet and some others are pretty good, but double check with the pharmacist, and don't purchase too many in case your doc wants you on something different.
-Maggie Smith, RN, MSN
