Understanding the issue
Understanding the issue
The main upper GI issues that can be treated over the counter are indigestion and heartburn
- Indigestion – also known as dyspepsia – occurs when acid comes into contact with the lining of the digestive system.
- Heartburn is usually described as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It occurs when acid leaks upwards into the oesophagus. This can be uncomfortable as the oesophagus does not have the same protective lining as the stomach.
There are many reasons why these two conditions might occur.
These can slow down the digestive process, and the growing baby can put pressure on the stomach, pushing its contents upwards.
The lower oesophageal sphincter normally keeps the contents of the stomach where they’re meant to be. If it is weak, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease may occur.
Factors such as being overweight, drinking alcohol, smoking, stress and anxiety can all cause symptoms. A person’s diet can also be a factor; this can include the type of food that is being eaten (e.g. fatty foods), the speed at which it is eaten, and the amount of food consumed.
Some medicines can cause indigestion as a side effect. The most common culprits are NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, but many drugs mention indigestion as a possible adverse reaction in their patient information leaflets.
These can form and erode the lining of the stomach or duodenum. The most common causes include infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H Pylori) and long-term use of NSAIDs.
In many cases, more than one factor will be at play. For example, a customer who is overweight may also be eating meals with a high fat content.
Symptoms differ from person to person, but discomfort is usually a feature. If this is experienced in the chest, it is referred to as heartburn, whereas pain slightly lower down may be referred to as indigestion. It is worth checking what customers mean when they use these terms, as they mean different things to different people.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition in which acid from the stomach regularly leaks up into the oesophagus. It is a chronic condition, although is rarely life-threatening. Symptoms can include heartburn, regurgitation, nausea and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Treatment depends primarily on the frequency and severity of symptoms, but lifestyle changes and OTC medicines are the main options. Some people may require prescription medicines; in severe cases, surgery to correct the problem may be required.