Final answer:
To manage heartburn after meals, patients should be advised to modify their diet and lifestyle, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding certain foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient experiences heartburn right after meals, it is important to assess their dietary and lifestyle habits. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. This can be due to a weak or inappropriately relaxing sphincter between the stomach and esophagus.
These include eating smaller meals more slowly, avoiding fatty and spicy foods, and not lying down immediately after eating. Furthermore, patients should avoid wearing tight clothing that can put pressure on the stomach. In addition to lifestyle changes, over-the-counter antacids may be used to neutralize excess stomach acid.
If the heartburn is frequent or severe, it could be a sign of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and medical evaluation is necessary. Apart from these suggestions, patients should also avoid ingesting medications on an empty stomach.