There is a lot of misleading information out there about heartburn, what it could mean, and how to treat it. Hi, I’m Dr. Frank McGeorge for Prilosec OTC. And today we’re going to separate fact from fiction—the eighth video in this series. One of the most common heartburn remedies people suggest for treating heartburn is a glass of milk. This is a myth. Your mother or grandmother might have recommended it, but scientific studies have established that heavy milk or cream reduces heartburn symptoms temporarily only to later increase acid production in the stomach. More acid, more heartburn. Now another thing you may have heard is that elevating your head when you sleep reduces nighttime heartburn. That’s actually true. Elevating the head of your bed can be an effective therapy to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn. Try using plastic or wooden bed risers to support the bedposts, changing the incline of the head of your bed; or buy a therapeutic bed wedge pillow that slips under your head, which also increases your upper body angle. Just make sure that the height of the elevation is at least 6 to 8 inches or it won’t be effective. Now, question number three: Do after-dinner mints offer a soothing way to drift off to sleep? Fact or myth? The answer to this one is: myth. In fact, bedtime mints combine three common heartburn triggers: chocolate, mint, and lying down—making them more likely to cause heartburn rather than suppress it. Now, another question I get all the time is whether heartburn is the result of a heart condition. This is indeed a myth. Heartburn is caused by acidic fluid from the stomach washing up into your esophagus. It is not caused by a heart condition. But, if you have any chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes, or any warning signs of a heart attack—for example, pain spreading to the arms, neck, or shoulders, with shortness of breath, sweating, or lightheadedness—you should seek immediate medical attention. These warning signs are really serious, so call your doctor or 911 immediately. Now, question five: Is heartburn a fact of life that I have to learn to live with? That’s a myth. People with heartburn don’t need to suffer in silence. Changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as a fast-growing range of heartburn medications, can provide relief for most people with heartburn. In fact, some over-the-counter medications can actually prevent heartburn. H2 blockers reduce acid for up to 12 hours, and proton pump inhibitors—like Prilosec OTC heartburn treatment—shut down many acid pumps to provide 24 hours of symptom relief. Zero heartburn with just one pill a day, but it may take one to four days for full effect. I’m Dr. Frank McGeorge for Prilosec OTC.