Acid indigestion, better known as heartburn is caused when acid and peptides from the stomach back up causing a burning sensation in the chest. Acids back up when the digestive bacteria in the lower intestine is working harder to digest food. A by product of digestion is intestinal gas. When the intestinal bacteria is working harder it produces excess gas causing indigestion, belching and flatulence.
Some medications used as a remedy for acid indigestion are, some medications used as an indigestion remedy are, Alumina, Aluminum carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, Amphojel, Basaljel, Gaviscon, Maalox and Mylanta. These medications are designed to relieve heartburn and dyspepsia pain. They also promote ulcer healing by neutralizing stomach acids.
Calcium carbonate, Alka-Mints, Rolaids, Tums, magaldrate, Lowsium, Riopan, Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Gelusil, magnesia, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, sodium bicarbonate, and Alka-Seltzer are pretty much the extent of over the counter indigestion remedies. You may need to experiment a bit to find the best indigestion remedy for you. If you are having severe acid indigestion you may want to consult your doctor about prescription medications.
If you are experiencing severe acid indigestion more than twice a week, you may have a more serious problem. GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition where stomach acids and pepsins rise from the stomach to the esophagus causing a burning sensation behind your breastbone and will many times cause pain from the bottom of the neck to the bottom of the ribcage. GERD sufferers may also experience a stinging in the back of the throat. Many pregnant women experience GERD. If you feel you need more than over the counter remedies for your severe indigestion you should ask your doctor if you may be experiencing GERD. Left untreated, this disease can damage your throat and esophagus.