People experiencing heartburn can be very distressed by this condition. Also known as acid indigestion, heartburn is suffered by millions of people around the world. Some people suffer an episode of heartburn every once in a while and usually take antacids as heartburn treatment. Other people can suffer from this condition at least two or more episodes in a week, and this particular set of people has a more serious problem in their hands. Just recently, a new medical treatment for heartburn has arrived in the market, one that can make an important difference in the lives of these people. Heartburn medication is usually needed by this large group of people as they age, and only a few young individuals need to get any of the heartburn treatments.
Old people can end up needing heartburn medications because of a problem with a certain muscle that controls the flow of acid from the stomach and through the esophagus. This certain muscle usually weakens as people get older. The acid from the stomach moves backwards and into the esophagus, and since it is a vital part of the stomach, it easily tolerates this kind of acid, and the job of digestion that is carried out in the stomach. Because the esophagus do not allow this acid, the pain a person feels can be unbearable when the acid moves the stomach back into the esophagus. This action often occurs when the person lays down at night to sleep. This health condition is not only painful, but it can also add stress to the everyday life of a person because of their lack of sleep.
Patients who deal with heartburn have already welcomed the advances in medical treatments that has brought relief from this painful condition. Those medications and relief for heartburn are the result of extensive years of research by medical experts. Those people who only suffer occasionally from heartburn can make use of antacids that can be purchased over the counter. Many of these antacids are widely available at local drug stores, grocery stores, and convenience markets. These heartburn treatments are usually very effective for minor symptoms of acid indigestion.

Today, there is a heartburn medication that has made a significant difference for those who regularly suffer from heartburn. Prilosec is the first medication provided only with a prescription, but is now also available over the counter. Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor, a group of drugs whose main action is pronounced and long lasting reduction of gastric acid production, and are the most potent inhibitors of acid secretion available today. Usually, patients need to take this medication for two weeks to ensure proper treatment. This medication relieves the symptoms of heartburn for an extended period of time. This medication works in order to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach, so that it does not flow back into the esophagus. Regular visits to their physician should be done for good results. People dealing with heartburn should be aware of its symptoms and effects, so that prevention as well as treatment is covered in time.