Chronic heartburn for the last month, what can I do?

[dmbfan07cb]

I'm a 22 year old male, I am suffering from what appears to be chronic heartburn for the last month or so.  Before I only had it once every few weeks or so.   I have been severely stressed the last 2 months as well. My symptoms come more at night and include a burning in my esophagus when I burp, lump in throat, shortness of breath during the heartburn, a feeling of a full stomach and sometimes a sore throat afterwards.  Also once I got what I assume are PVC's or PAC's during one of these, like 3-5 in a row.  But 2 months ago I got an ekg, chest x-ray, cardiac blood work-up and a 24 hour holter monitor and everything checked out normal, So I don't think anything is wrong with my heart. (got all those after a severe panic attack, came out of nowhere and i called an ambulance) My real concern is this newly acquired constant heartburn.  Also I cannot go to the doctor again, I already have thousands of dollars in bills I cannot pay as it is from my ER visit.

My questions are, what does this sound like?  Before I go to medication, should I try lifestyle changes first?  Could this be from stress?  What can I do to fix this on my own and when should I consider it absolutely necessary to go to the doctor? (keep in mind if I go to the doctor, odds are I wont have money to feed my wife or my kid for a week, so it would have to be pressing)

Thank you so much in advance

-Doug

[boron]

Uncontrolled stress causes increased excretion of acid into the stomach. But there is also a food and a predisposition to secret excess acid, which contribute heartburn.

Before going with meds:

1. Avoid anything acidic (vinegar, vitamin C, aspirin and other antirheumatic drugs - mostly painkillers), avoid spices, alcohol, coffe, soda. Avoid proteins (meat, eggs), since proteins sit in the stomach a long time and cause acid secretion. Go with carbohydrate meals as much as possible (rice, bread...), but avoid simple sugars, like sweets. Eat in small portions. Do not eat several hours before sleep. Put additinal pillow under your upper back - this will prevent reflux of acid into lungs, what causes short breath. This is a temporary solution, but you can not afford to get aspiration pneumonia.

2. Stress. Try to find out what brings you joy.You probably have some worthy life plan. If not, set up one. Then try to reach the goal. It's hard to say more without knowing you.