Having heartburn is a terrible experience. Not only does it really hurt, it is simply annoying. Even if your symptoms appear relatively mild, it is extremely important that you learn to manage your symptoms, since untreated heartburn can damage the sensitive lining of the esophagus.

Heartburn symptoms can range from very mild to extremely severe, depending upon the person. In most circumstances, heartburn is caused by some trigger, typically related to your diet. Usually heartburn starts out as a painful burning in the chest. That burning then travels from the stomach up into your throat. Most people try and drink a large glass of water at the onset of the preliminary symptoms.

A better approach would be to use an over-the-counter treatment, such as Tums, Rolaids or Pepto Bismol. As a frequent sufferer, you should probably carry around a few of these tablets at all times. Some people have reported decreased severity of heartburn when they take a few Tums before eating a large meal.

Unfortunately, using over-the-counter medications only mask the symptoms. They do nothing to cure heartburn.