Hello dr. i have had severe night time heartburn for the last two weeks. i can not sleep at night and have lost my appetite. i have lost 7 pounds.

Use Anti-acids: Antacids are medicines to relieve heart burn which is caused by excessive Acid in your stomach. So avoid spicy foods and carbonated beverages. You shoud also use an antacid like Pepcid (famotidine) or purple(Omeprazole) pills which are available over the counter. use it once each day(pepcid (famotidine) can be used every 12 hours) and it should stop acid production and relieve your heart burn/ stomach pain

Don't wait: May be an easy fix - but not if you let it snowball into 2nd-level damage. See your Dr for a good exam. Till then this really might help - it has never failed me: drink in sips a cool juice glass of water that has 1 oz organic apple cider vinegar and a pinch of baking soda in it. It stops the heartburn by forcing the acid back down. It's still impt to have the exam but this will let you eat/sleep.

This needs: some evaluation starting with your Primary Care Provider and perhaps a Gastroenterology consultation However for now you can do the following 1. If possible put head of bed up 2. Start PEPCID (famotidine) AC (OTC) two tablets at bedtime 3. Avoid drinking liquids with your meals 4. Use antacid ..Gaviscon liquid is very suited for esophogeal acid Hope this helps Dr Z

Needs eval.: Good morning. When your heartburn is this severe, you should be evaluated to be sure you are not developing an ulcer or perhaps a problem with another organ like the gallbladder or pancreas. If this is only heart burn, don't eat within 3 hours of bed, sleep from waist up at 35 degrees or higher, no spicy or fried foods, Prilosec 40 mg after dinner if on no other meds that conflict. See MD ASAP.