Heartburn develops when stomach contents enter the esophagus. The most common reasons are: non-compliance with the diet (spicy and fatty foods), increased intra-abdominal pressure, smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, taking certain medications, failure of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Heartburn must be treated, and better with modern medicines. They are divided into two types: antacids and alginates. The drugs differ in their composition and mechanism of action.
Antacids neutralize hydrochloric acid, which is part of the gastric juice, relieving the sensation of heartburn. However, the duration of their action is short-term – only 30-40 minutes. The most famous antacid is baking soda, which is used from time to time to relieve the unpleasant sensation of heartburn when other medicines are not on hand. But baking soda contains a sufficient amount of sodium, absorbed into the bloodstream, it can cause edema and cause disturbances in people with diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Alginates (from Lat.alga – sea grass). These preparations are based on natural components of brown seaweed. When taken orally after a meal, such drugs react with the acidic contents of the stomach and within a few minutes form the so-called barrier raft. It floats on the surface of the contents of the stomach for up to 4 hours and when trying to throw acid, it first enters the esophagus, protecting its mucous membrane and preventing the sensation of heartburn.
Due to the physical mechanism of action, lack of systemic effect and drug interactions, alginate drugs are safe and effective over-the-counter treatments and prevention of heartburn.
The representative of alginate preparations in Russia is Gaviscon and its more concentrated form – Gaviscon forte. These drugs are approved for use in all groups of people, including pregnant women (in all trimesters) and children (Gaviscon for children from 6 years old, Gaviscon forte – from 12 years old).