Feeling a burning pain in your chest, throat, stomach and experiencing bad reflux? If you’re suffering twice a week or more, you could be suffering from frequent heartburn. Why not try Gaviscon?
What is Gaviscon?
Gaviscon works by forming a protective layer that floats on top of the contents of your stomach. This stops stomach acid escaping up into your food pipe.
Gaviscon has two principal functions. It acts as an antacid and as a raft forming substance. They contain several ingredients which allow them to carry out these functions effectively. Firstly, Gaviscon contains Sodium bicarbonate and Calcium carbonate. This will neutralise the stomach acid (antacid function). Secondly, Sodium alginate, which foams up when it reaches the stomach and covers the top of the stomach contents. This ingredient is responsible in preventing the reflux of food and stomach acid. Therefore, to maximise their effectiveness, Gaviscon products are best suited to be taken after eating and before bed.
Where can I Purchase Gaviscon from PPRX?
Shop PPRX’s complete Gaviscon range at https://www.pprx.co.uk/?s=gaviscon
What are the different Gaviscon Products?
Three types of Gaviscon products are available over the counter. Gaviscon Original serves both basic functions, whilst Gaviscon Advance and Gaviscon Double Action have enhanced raft forming and antacid activities, respectively. This is due to an increase in the amount of active ingredient present in the Advance and Double Action formulations compared with the Original Gaviscon. Gaviscon can be purchased in both Mint and Aniseed flavours and may be used by adults and children over 12 years old.
It is important to always check the packaging before taking Gaviscon and to contact your doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist for more than 7 days.
What causes frequent heartburn?
To help you understand and ease your symptoms, we’ll start by looking at what’s causing your heartburn and the symptoms, to keep you doing what you love.
Frequent heartburn can be caused by several things, from eating habits, pregnancy, medication and underlying conditions.
Some medicines such as anti-inflammatories (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen) can also be a cause. If you need more advice on whether your medicine is causing your heartburn, talk to the PPRX pharmacy team now:
https://www.pprx.co.uk/speak-to-pharmacist/
Frequent heartburn could be a symptom of something else
If you suffer from heartburn more than twice a week, speak to your GP to get a better understanding of how to treat your symptoms. Certain illnesses can cause heartburn, such as:
1. GORD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
2. Stomach ulcers
3. Hiatus hernia
4. Helicobacter pylori infections
Heartburn usually happens after meals, near bedtime or during the night.
The symptoms of heartburn include:
1. A burning sensation in the chest or throat after eating
2. A hot sour or salty tasting fluid in the back of your throat accompanied with difficulty swallowing
3. Pressure behind the breastbone
4. Needing to burp
5. Feeling sick
In the majority of cases, heartburn is a natural response to stomach acid. But we understand how disruptive it can be, which is why we’ve identified foods that are best to avoid.
What are the habits that typically contribute to heartburn/ indigestion?
Eating heavy meals – We advise to keep your meals light and your portions small to lower your likelihood of heartburn.
Fatty foods – Foods that are high in fat can occasionally be culprits as well.
Stress and anxiety – Did you know that stress can cause an upset stomach? That’s because anxiety uses up our prostaglandins, lipids in our body that protect us from acid. Wish to control your stress?
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Drinking alcohol – Alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscles that protect you from acid). Plus, the greasy foods we enjoy alongside a drink don’t help matters either.
Smoking – Like alcohol, nicotine relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acids refluxing (moving) up your stomach.
Stress and excess weight are also contributing factors, so observing a careful diet and getting plenty of exercise will likely help. That said, you don’t have to put your life on hold because of heartburn – and we’re here to help. Purchase your ALLI weight loss capsules from PPRX today https://www.pprx.co.uk/product/alli-60mg-weight-loss-capsules-pack-of-84/
What else can cause heartburn?
Fried and greasy foods Eating too much Eating too quickly Fatty meats and dairy products Alcohol, caffeinated drinks and spicy food, which can all also cause the sphincter valve to open.
References
1. NHS – Heartburn and acid reflux https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/
2. NHS – Indigestion https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/indigestion/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140167/
4. https://www.gaviscon.co.uk/symptoms/heartburn/
