How do you get rid of heartburn fast?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Fast heartburn relief: chew an antacid, sit or stand upright, loosen tight waistbands, and stay upright for two to three hours - gravity is half the treatment. If you get heartburn more than twice a week, step up: famotidine works in about an hour and lasts much longer, and a daily proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole before breakfast is the strongest over-the-counter course. Avoid the classic triggers: fatty and spicy food, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, tomatoes, big late meals, smoking. Chest pain spreading to the arm or jaw, or pain with shortness of breath, is a heart problem until proven otherwise - get emergency care. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you sort reflux from red flags.
What to do
- Take an antacid for the fire right now: minutes to work, made for this.
- Stay upright 2 to 3 hours after eating: lying down feeds the reflux.
- Use famotidine or a PPI for frequent burn: twice-weekly heartburn deserves more than antacids.
- Know the non-reflux warning signs: radiating chest pain, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, weight loss.
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