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Is the pain unbearable?
Has there been pain for more than 24
hours without improvement?
Do antacids fail to provide relief?
Is there
severe weakness or severe nausea?
Have you vomited blood?
Has there been vomiting for more than 12 hours?
Have your bowel movements appeared black and sticky?
ACTIVITIES: Decrease physical activities until feeling better. You should get plenty of sleep. Try to relax and avoid stress as much as possible. Don't drink alcohol or use tobacco.
MEDICATIONS: Mylanta or Maalox or other antacid should relieve most minor cases of indigestion and heartburn. Take no more than the recommended dosage.
DIET: Usually no changes in the diet are needed. If
you think certain foods are causing trouble (such as greasy or
spicy foods, carbonated beverages, orange or grapefruit juice, peppermint, chocolate,
or coffee), then they should be avoided. Don't over eat.
Losing weight may prevent or lessen the severity of future attacks.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Unbearable pain develops.
2. You vomit or pass blood. (Digested
blood will appear black.)
3. There is no improvement by tomorrow.
4.
You have to take antacids or acid reducers every day.
