A few tips to relieve heartburn and hemorrhoids

Everyday ailments can often be cured with the simplest solutions. Here's a quick look at two common ailments and how to alleviate your pain:

If you suspect your pain is from heartburn, don't eat while you still have pain. Overeating increases the pressure on the esophageal sphincter, upping the risk that it will loosen and let more acid spill back into the esophagus.

• Over-the-counter brands such as Maalox, Mylanta, and Riopan work by neutralizing stomach acid. However, take too many, and, over time, they can lead to diarrhea or constipation. Make sure your antacid contains magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, which together will help your bowels function normally. Don't take aspirin or ibuprofen, which can make your heartburn worse.
• If you still have heartburn after the antacid wears off or if the pain wakes you up at night, call your doctor. You should also call if you have heartburn several times per week.
• Note: Don't confuse heartburn with chest pain. If you're having chest pain and you're not sure it's heartburn, call 911. You could be having a heart attack. The telltale signs of a heart attack include feelings of fullness, pressure, or squeezing in the chest, and the sensation may come and go.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin every four to six hours can temporarily tackle your pain and inflammation. Follow the directions on the package.

• An over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream (like Preparation H) or suppository that contains hydrocortisone can lessen pain. Or you can try wipes moistened with witch hazel (such as Tucks), which cool and slightly numb the area.
• If your hemorrhoids and their pain persist, there's plenty a doctor can do. He'll start by giving you a rectal exam and maybe even a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy — procedures that use a lighted instrument to examine your colon — to rule out more serious conditions.
• Good news: Only 10 to 20 percent of people treated for hemorrhoids ever need surgery.

Heartburn and hemorrhoids are extremely common ailments, but that doesn't make them any better. Try these tips to help ease your discomfort. As always, contact a doctor if the condition persists or these tips do not help.