Heartburn/Acid reflux
HEARTBURN/ACID REFLUX
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid moves up into the oesophagus (acid reflux). Customers can easily manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and/or products from the pharmacy.
GPs have been advised not to routinely prescribe products for heartburn,1 which may result in an increase in customers asking for advice about their symptoms.
Symptoms typically occur due to dietary causes, but others include:2
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) - when symptoms keep recurring
- Hiatus hernia
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Stress and anxiety
- Some medicines
Other causes of upper GI discomfort include:3
- Peptic ulcer disease (gastric or duodenal ulcers)
- Functional dyspepsia* (non-ulcer dyspepsia)
- Barrett's oesophagus, where the cells of the oesophagus grow abnormally
- Upper gastrointestinal malignancy
*Dyspepsia is another term for indigestion.
Do you know what the symptoms of these other causes of upper GI discomfort are?