Tips for Managing Heartburn

Managing Heartburn to Get Relief

Heartburn is a common problem for people living with HIV. As we all know HIV medications have many side effects, heartburn being one of the most common. Here are a collection of tips that will help you manage your heartburn.

• Do not bend over or lie flat soon after eating.

• Do not eat late at night or right before taking a nap or at bedtime.

• Avoid those foods and drinks that are known to cause or worsen heartburn. They include:
  • spicy, fatty or fried foods
  • chocolate
  • caffeinated drinks such as soda, tea, or coffee
  • alcohol

• Eat slowly and don't over eat

• If you are overweight try to lose weight.

• If you smoke try to stop.

• Raise the head of your bed at night when you sleep.

• Wear clothes that are loose fitting around your stomach.

Important Warning
Never assume the symptoms you are feeling are heartburn. Serious illness such as heart disease can produce symptoms similar to heartburn. When you start to experiencing symptoms you believe are heartburn, report them right away.