WILLOWBANK PHARMACY December NEWSLETTER!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Heartburn and Indigestion: Christmas and New Year is a time when we eat, drink and be merry! Unfortunately with this merriment often comes over-indulgence, heartburn and indigestion!

Indigestion is an uncomfortable feeling after eating or drinking. Many also experience symptoms such as stomach pain or cramps; belching; nausea; loss of appetite; and a bloated or full feeling.

Heartburn is a type of indigestion which causes a painful, burning feeling in the upper abdomen or chest, or up into the throat. This pain can be accompanied by an acidic, sour or bitter taste in the mouth and sometimes even a cough or sore throat. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid rises up into the oesophagus (food pipe) and irritates the inner lining of the oesophagus.

Heartburn is very common in the Australian population and in most cases is easily managed with a few simple lifestyle changes and/or medication. Almost everyone will experience mild heartburn at some point in their lives and as much as 20% of the population will experience it on a regular basis.

Willowbank Pharmacy’s Gifts Sale On Now!!!

Common causes of heartburn/indigestion: Certain foods including rich, spicy and fatty foods, chocolate and peppermint; Eating overly large meals or eating too quickly; Drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages; Exercising soon after a large meal; Stress and anxiety; Being overweight or wearing tight waist bands or belts; Pregnancy, particularly late pregnancy; Smoking; Certain medicines including some pain relievers.

Lifestyle changes which may reduce symptoms: Simple changes to diet and lifestyle can prevent or reduce the

symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. For example, eat less of the foods that are known to cause reflux/indigestion; eat smaller meals; eat slowly and chew food well; reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption; don’t eat for 2-3 hours before going to bed; go for a short walk after your main meals; wear loose clothing around your waist; reach and keep to a healthy weight; don’t smoke; learn and practice relaxation techniques to manage stress.

Medications: There are medications available that can relieve or prevent symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. Some are available from your pharmacist without a prescription and they can advise you on the best medications for you and whether you should consult a doctor. Some of these medications may interfere with other medications that you take so always check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking them. The most common medications used to treat indigestion and heartburn are:

Antacids: such as Mylanta, QuickEze or Rennies. Antacids neutralise the stomach acid. These can be useful for controlling occasional symptoms;

Alginates: such as Gaviscon; Alginates work by forming a gel or ‘foam raft’ over the stomach contents, providing a physical barrier to reflux;

Acid Suppressor Medications: This type of medication reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. These are available on prescription or in smaller quantities from your pharmacist.

Pharmacists can be funny too!!! Question: How do elves get indigestion?

Answer: By goblin their food!!!!

Consult your doctor if: It is the first time you have experienced symptoms, especially if you are over 40; You regularly use non-prescription medications for what you think is indigestion; Symptoms are getting worse; Symptoms are constant or keep returning, even with treatment; It is difficult or painful to swallow; Your bowel motions are black and tar-like or you have blood in them; You vomit and your vomit looks like coffee grounds or has blood in it; You have lost weight and you do not know why; You have shortness of breath or pain radiating to your jaw, neck or arm.

WILLOWBANK PHARMACY Willowbank Pharmacy Telephone: (07) 5467 3637 Shop 2, 20 O’Neill’s Road Fax: (07) 5467 3667

WILLOWBANK QLD 4306 Email: willowbank.pharmacy@frednet.com.au

References: PSA: Pharmacy Self Care Health Information. http://www.nps.org.au/health-professionals/resources-and-tools/for-your-

patients/resources/ppistepdown-patientpad http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Heartburn_is_a_fo

rm_of_indigestion http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/symptoms/heartburn/51