Global Medical Cures™ | AGING- Concerned about CONSTIPATION ?
December newsletter
1. 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 Catalogue
Starts Wednesday 12 th December!!!
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;
2. • 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?
An swer: 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.
