Indigestion/Acid Reflux

Indigestion, dyspepsia or upset stomach, is not a disease but rather a collection of symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the stomach, fullness, bloating, belching or heartburn (burning sensation in the chest) and a bad taste in the mouth, especially after eating a meal. These symptoms are due to the overproduction of acid in the stomach and/or a dysfunctional valve between the food pipe and the gut, which allows the reflux of acidic contents of the stomach to be pushed up the food pipe, causing heartburn symptoms.  

There are many possible causes of indigestion and some are related to lifestyle, such as overeating, eating fatty or spicy food, caffeine and alcohol consumption, smoking and stress.

Additionally, certain medicines (e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, sedating antidepressants, some blood pressure and cholesterol medicines) can aggravate indigestion and acid reflux symptoms. The incidences of indigestion and acid reflux are also higher in those who are overweight or obese. Indigestion is a very common problem that is thought to affect over 25% of people in the UK.

There is also the possibility that indigestion symptoms are related to other digestive problems; therefore, if a symptom is persistent for more than 4 weeks or the severity is getting worse, it is important that you see your doctor for investigations to eliminate any possibility of more serious problems. You must also visit your doctor if you experience any stomach pain, weight loss for no reason, vomiting blood or food, and darkened faeces. This is because these alarming symptoms may be indicative of other more serious problems of the digestive system.

How we can help you

Most people will experience indigestion or heart burn at some stage in their life and it will often subside without treatment. However, if these symptoms are a regular occurrence or are worsening, it may be beneficial to see your pharmacist or doctor to seek alternative treatments. These symptoms can not only be uncomfortable, but also can have an impact on your social life by preventing you from eating out or trying new food or activities.

The first line of treatment is making life style changes and eliminating the causes of the indigestion. We understand that making such changes require more time to get relief from the symptoms. That is why My Private Pharmacist offer a wide range of tried and trusted over the counter indigestion remedies and prescription strength medicines for acid reflux that can help alleviate your symptoms and discomfort.

The aim of indigestion treatment is to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and/or stopping the symptoms of heart burn (acid reflux).

Generally these treatments include antacids. As the name suggests, they are anti-acid so they work by neutralising the excess stomach acid and providing relief from indigestion. Popular example of antacids are brands like Rennie, Gaviscon or Pepto-Bismol products.

The most common and effective indigestion and acid reflux remedies are medications known as Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s) that reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. PPI’s are well tolerated by most people although they should be used short term (up to 4 weeks) unless you have been advised to take them for longer by your doctor and after medical examinations. My Private Pharmacist offers PPI’s only for the relief of acid reflux symptoms.  

The combination of such trusted medications alongside some lifestyle changes can have you on the way to a happier stomach and happier you.