Uppermill pharmacist IAN STRACHAN looks at coughs and their treatments
INDIGESTION IS often a pain or discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen or even a burning pain behind the breastbone commonly known as heartburn.
These symptoms usually appear following eating or drinking and can be associated with feeling full or bloated, feeling sick, belching and bringing up or regurgitating fluid or food into the gullet.
Most cases are mild, only occurring occasionally, and are related to eating although it can also be triggered by drinking alcohol, pregnancy, stress and certain medication.
TREATMENTS
Most cases respond to simple changes to diet and lifestyle or with the help of medications such as antacids.
The lifestyle changes include losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Regular exercise, eating more healthily and a balanced diet can also have a dramatic effect.
Smoking can contribute to acid reflux. Caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate indigestion so avoid if possible and eat less rich, spicy and fatty foods.
I find many people experience indigestion at night so avoid eating three to four hours before going to bed. Also, use a couple of pillows which can help prevent stomach acid moving into the food pipe while sleeping.
MEDICATION
Some medications can contribute to indigestion so discuss this with your pharmacist who can advise upon your next course of action and if your symptoms should be referred to your doctor.
RELIEF
There are a number of simple antacids and alginates which offer immediate relief for mild symptoms of indigestion. These remedies are best taken after meals or at bedtime.
For more persistent indigestion or recurring cases, more potent remedies may be considered. Discuss their suitability with your pharmacist who can advise if such treatments are appropriate or refer you to your doctor.
SEEING YOUR DOCTOR
- For people with recurring indigestion or when indigestion is sudden in onset in someone over 55 years of age
- Anyone losing a lot of weight without meaning to
- Increasing difficulty swallowing
- Anyone with persistent vomiting
- If you have a known iron deficiency anaemia
- For sufferers with blood in your vomit or stools
It is important in such cases to exclude more serious underlying health problems so referral to your doctor would be sensible.
Next month: I take a closer look at croup, a condition often linked to the winter months.
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