Understanding and Managing Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Advice from Gilbride Pharmacy
Heartburn and acid reflux are common issues that occur when stomach acid escapes into the oesophagus, causing discomfort that can extend to your throat.
At Gilbride Pharmacy in Glasgow, our experienced pharmacists can offer advice and support to help you manage these symptoms effectively.
Common Triggers:
Several factors can contribute to heartburn and acid reflux, including:
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- High-fat diet
- Consumption of tobacco, coffee, alcohol, or chocolate
- Hiatus hernia
- Certain medications (calcium-channel blockers, nitrates, NSAIDs)
- Stress
- Eating large meals or lying down shortly after eating
Recognising the Symptoms:
Acid reflux often presents as a sour or acidic taste in the throat or mouth due to regurgitated stomach acid. Heartburn is typically felt as a burning pain behind the breastbone, which may extend to the chest and throat, often worsening after meals or when bending or lying down.
When to Seek Advice:
While occasional, food-related symptoms may be self-managed, it's important to consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms become frequent, worsen, or if you experience less common symptoms such as:
- Persistent nausea
- Nighttime cough or wheezing
- Chest pain
- Tooth decay
- Laryngitis
How Gilbride Pharmacy Can Help:
Our pharmacists at Gilbride Pharmacy can provide comprehensive guidance on managing your heartburn and acid reflux. We offer advice on lifestyle modifications and can recommend suitable over-the-counter treatments like antacids to help relieve mild and occasional symptoms. Furthermore, we can assess your eligibility for free treatments available through the Pharmacy First service. For those requiring stronger relief, we also offer prescription-strength medicines such as Esomeprazole and Omeprazole, available privately at a reasonable price. We are also here to discuss potential triggers and provide information on preventative measures.
Important Note: If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or if you experience any concerning symptoms like difficulty swallowing or blood in your stools, it is crucial to consult your GP for a thorough medical assessment and diagnosis. They may recommend further investigations or prescription medications.
Preventative Measures:
Adopting certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the occurrence of heartburn and acid reflux:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding known trigger foods and drinks
- Quitting smoking
- Elevating the head of your bed
- Reviewing your current medications with your GP
Visit Gilbride Pharmacy for Advice and Support:
For expert advice and support on managing your heartburn and acid reflux, please visit your preferred Gilbride Pharmacy branch in Glasgow. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you understand your symptoms and find appropriate solutions to improve your comfort and well-being. Feel free to walk in at your convenience.