Advil, also known as ibuprofen, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, it is not specifically designed to treat heartburn caused by spicy foods.
Heartburn is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). According to Alberta Health Services, avoiding foods that trigger heartburn is the best way to prevent it. Spicy foods are known to be a common trigger for heartburn [2].
Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that affects the stomach and small intestine, causing open sores or ulcers. It is often caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, but can also be caused by long-term use of NSAIDs like Advil. Cleveland Clinic notes that NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers [3].
In conclusion, while Advil may be effective for relieving pain and inflammation, it is not specifically designed to treat heartburn caused by spicy foods. Avoiding trigger foods and seeking medical attention for underlying conditions like GERD and PUD may be more effective in managing heartburn. Additionally, long-term use of NSAIDs like Advil can increase the risk of developing peptic ulcer disease.
Sources:
[1] Drug Patent Watch. Advil Trademark Details. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ADVIL
[2] Alberta Health Services. Heartburn. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh3195
[3] Cleveland Clinic. Peptic Ulcer Disease. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10350-peptic-ulcer-disease