Wow, how did we get to December already? I could hardly believe my eyes when I started seeing Christmas decorations in shops, but I can't hide any longer, Christmas and New Year is almost here.
Regardless of whether or not you celebrate Christmas, December is a month for office parties and catching up with friends and family. It's always such a hectic month where fitting in social engagements is almost a competitive sport. One thing that's difficult to avoid is the celebratory food and drink...excellent for the tastebuds, but sometimes not so much for the stomach!
Many people complain about suffering from indigestion. Indigestion is a general term for discomfort in the upper abdomen (tummy). Symptoms can include pain or discomfort, burping, loss of appetite or bloating. It is often related to eating or drinking, especially spicy or fatty foods or indulging too much.
Heartburn or reflux occurs when stomach contents come back up into the oesophagus. The stomach acid causes a burning sensation which rises up from the stomach into the throat and you may even feel or taste food or acid in your mouth. If you find you are having frequent bouts of reflux, see your doctor as it could mean you have Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (commonly abbreviated to GORD) which can damage the lining of your oesophagus.
People with reflux may have different symptoms and triggers, but risk factors include being overweight, smoking, eating spicy, rich or fatty foods, pregnancy, caffeine, large meals, stress and anxiety and some medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac), some antibiotics (such as doxycycline) and some medications for osteoporosis (such as alendronate or risedronate). If you suddenly notice symptoms of reflux or anything else new after starting a new medication, speak to your pharmacist to see if the two could be linked.
Berwick Pharmacy have plenty of potential solutions for you. Antacids such as Mylanta or Gastrogel help neutralise the stomach acid and reduce burning. Some antacids also have an ingredient which sits on top of your stomach contents to help try and keep them inside your stomach, instead of rising into your oesophagus.
We also sell stronger medications which prevent the acid pump in the stomach from releasing so much acid. These medications generally come from one of two groups - the H2 antagonists such as ranitidine (Zantac is one brand) and the proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Losec) or pantoprazole (Somac). Many people take these medications regularly on a prescription from their doctor for long-standing conditions or to protect their stomachs from bleeds (especially if they take medication such as anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners), but they can also be purchased without a prescription for more minor reflux.
So in addition to medications, there are also some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle that can help:
- Avoid foods which you know trigger the symptoms (e.g. spicy, fatty or rich foods)
- Eat smaller meals
- Try not to eat too close to bedtime
- Avoid wearing clothes which are tight around the waist
- Try to reduce or even avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking
- Raise the head of your bed to sleep
- If your symptoms are triggered by stress or anxiety, learn some relaxation techniques.
Don't forget that sometimes symptoms that seem to be reflux, may actually be something else. If you also notice chest pain, pain radiating to your arm, neck or jaw or sweatiness, you may be having a heart attack so seek immediate medical attention (possibly even call an ambulance). See you doctor if:
- You notice blood in your stools (stools may appear very dark or black or you may see blood on the toilet paper)
- You vomit and notice blood or your vomit resembles coffee grounds
- You are getting symptoms often (e.g. more than once a week) or they start increasing in frequency or severity
- Your symptoms wake you from your sleep
- You are losing weight for no particular reason.
By all means, enjoy this special time of the year, but don't forget to look after your health too. Come into Berwick Pharmacy and speak to our pharmacists who can help you with advice and treatment. Don't forget to ask for a free Self Care Card on Heartburn and Indigestion.
Oh, and while you're visiting Berwick Pharmacy, why not pick up some Christmas gifts? We have a great selection of goodies to pop a smile on the faces of all your friends and family such as perfumes and fragrances, beauty products from brands such as Chanel, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Napolean Perdis and Jurlique or even a voucher for a pampering treatment to our beauty rooms, Indulge at Berwick.
References and further reading
- Heartburn and Indigestion Self Care Card, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, published February 2011
- Heartburn is a Form of Indigestion Fact Sheet - Better Health Channel, published November 2011 (accessed 29 November 2011)
