| I have been having frequent episodes of heart burn recently. What measures can I take to prevent these episodes of heartburn? What are the issues that I need to consider when I self-medicate? |
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Gastric Reflux Disease
Q: I have
been having frequent episodes of heart burn recently. What measures can I take
to prevent these episodes of heartburn? What are the issues that I need to
consider when I self-medicate?
A: Heartburn, together with other symptoms such
as belching, or sour taste in the mouth, may be symptoms of gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD). This health problem is characterized by backward movement
of stomach contents into the esophagus (the passage way from the mouth to the
stomach), causing discomfort and damage to the protective lining of the
esophagus.
The preventive measures that you can take
include:
1)
Modifying your diet.
Taking lighter meals throughout
the day instead of three heavy meals each day.
Taking a low-fat diet.
Consuming less of
food
and drinks such as citrus juice and
fruits, tomato, soft drinks,
drinks containing caffeine and spicy meals.
2)
Quitting smoking.
3)
Avoiding alcoholic beverages
4)
Not eating 3 hours before going to
bed.
5)
Avoiding tight-fitting clothes
Non-prescription medications which help to
relieve the symptoms include:
1) Antacids (available over-the-counter)
2) H2 antagonists (e.g. cimetidine, famotidine,
ranitidine; available after consulting a pharmacist)
You should remember to check with your pharmacist
for any possible drug interactions if you are taking any other medicine.
Antacids should also be chewed well before swallowing.
Continual self-medication can mask the symptoms
of a more serious underlying condition. As such, medications sold in the
pharmacy to treat gastric pain should not be used for more than 2 weeks. If you
have an episode of gastric for more than 2 weeks,
or symptoms such as chest pain,
difficulty or pain when swallowing, dark-coloured stools or night time gastric
pain, you should see your doctor.
Source: Mazimran Yusoff, Pharmacist,
Pharmaceutical Society Of Singapore
More information and advice can be obtained from your pharmacist. Send your
questions to sthealth@sph.com.sg.
Reference:
Non-Prescription
Product Therapeutics, Ed. W Steven Pray
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