The burning sensation in your chest caused by acid reflex may be merely uncomfortable, or may cause serious pain. Acid reflux is caused by acid moving up from your stomach through a small value in your stomach that should stay closed. Occasional acid reflux is common and can be caused by eating certain foods or a medication side effect. If you experience acid reflux more than 2 times a week, you may have acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guid/what-is-acid-reflux-diseas?page=2 No matter how often you experience acid reflux, there are some steps you can take to help cure your acid reflux symptoms. Always talk to your doctor about the right method to cure your acid reflux symptoms based on your specific health situation. Take extra precaution before trying to self medicate if you are pregnant.

Many lifestyle factors can exacerbate or trigger acid reflux. You may be able to cure your acid reflux by merely making adjustments to your eating and lifestyle habits.

Lifestyle Factors can include:

1. Being Overweight
2. Drinking Alcohol, Carbonated Beverages, Coffee, Tea
3. Smoking
4. Eating large meals
5. Laying down after a meal
6. Snacking before going to bed
7. Using ibuprofen or aspirin
8. Eating the following foods:
   1. Tomatoes
9. Chocolate
10. Mint
11. Citrus Foods
12. Garlic
13. Fatty Foods
14. Spicy Foods
15. Onions
16. Pregnancy (for many women acid reflux goes away after the birth of their child)http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease

If changing your lifestyle does not cure your acid reflux, you can try the following:

1. Eat smaller meals throughout the day
2. Sleep in a chair for naps
3. Raise the head of your bed 4 to 6 inches so you sleep on an incline
4. Avoid wearing tight clothing
5. Do not eat for 2-3 hours before you go to bedhttp://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guid/what-is-acid-reflux-diseas?page=2

If lifestyle change and non-medication options do not alleviate you acid reflux symptoms, consult your doctor about medications that could cure your acid reflux.

Over-the-Counter Options:

1. Antacids (Maalox, Tums, Gelusil, Mylanta, Rolaids)
2. Acid Reduction Medicines (Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, Axid, Zantac 75)
3. Acid Reduction and Esophagus Healing Medicines (Prevacid 24 HR, Prilosec OTC) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Prescription Medications:

1. Prescription level Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid and Zantac
2. Prokinetic Medicines that empty your stomach faster and make the valve between your stomach and esophagus tightenhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

As a last resort, your doctor may suggest having surgery to cure your acid reflux.

Surgical Options Include:

1. Reinforcing the Esophageal Sphincter
2. Creating a barrier to prevent acid movement upwards
3. Surgery to cause scar tissue in the esophagus that strengthens and heals the muscleshttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs