Self-care for chest pain from a hiatal hernia
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Eat 5-6 frequent meals, instead of 3 meals a day. Do not eat large meals.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, peppermint, chocolate, citrus juices and carbonated beverages.
- If you have heartburn, take antacids after meals and before going to bed.
- Do not eat food or drink milk two hours before going to bed.
- Avoid bending over or lying down after eating.
- Do not wear tight clothing, tight belts, or girdles.
- Raise the head of your bed about 3 to 4 inches (40 degree angle) when you sleep.
Self-care for chest pain from anxiety and hyperventilation
- Talk over the source of your anxiety with family, friends and clergy. If this is not enough, you may need the help of a professional counselor or psychiatrist.
- When you hyperventilate, cover your mouth and nose with a paper bag. Breathe into the paper bag slowly and re-breathe the air. Do this in and out at least 10 times. Remove the bag and breathe normally a few minutes. Repeat breathing in and out of the paper bag as needed.
- Avoid using large amounts of aspirin or other salicylate-containing medicines. (Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication that
has salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless a doctor tells you to.)
