Acid Reflux

This condition is caused by what happens to your food and drink after you have eaten.

What is acid reflux?

Whenever you eat or drink, gravity and muscles allow the food to travel down the tube-like oesophagus to the stomach. Once in the stomach, the contents is normally prevented from going back upwards by a valve or sphincter found at the join between the stomach and the oesophagus.

When this valve becomes loose or is prevented from tightening around the top of the stomach the stomach contents can freely travel back up the oesophagus to the mouth again.

Certain foods, medicines and medical conditions can make acid reflux worse. The condition can be either temporary or permanent. If not treated it can result in damage to the oesophagus.

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Symptoms of acid reflux

Symptoms of Acid Reflux include an acidic taste in the mouth caused by the stomach acids travelling up the oesophagus. Sometimes vomit from the partially digested food and fluids also travels back up to the mouth.

Heartburn is a common symptom of Acid Reflux, this can feel like tightness or burning in the chest. Feelings of nausea, difficulty swallowing, a persistent cough or regular hiccups are also common symptoms. Often the Acid Reflux is worse at night, when lying down, or after a large, rich or spicy meal. For some people symptoms increase when they’re feeling tired or stressed.

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Take acid reflux seriously

Some of the symptoms of acid reflux can also be symptoms of more serious conditions. It is important to seek help if you experience any acid reflux symptoms.

Our community pharmacists will be able to help with determining if you are suffering from a serious medical condition requiring prompt referral to your doctor. If not, they can help you with treatment or advice to help you treat, manage, prevent or lessen the effects of acid reflux.

It is not uncommon for patients with severe symptoms of heartburn to confuse the symptoms of their acid reflux with angina, or chest pain. If you or anyone around you complains of sudden severe crushing pain in their chest or arm then do not delay and call the ambulance immediately.

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What causes acid reflux?

Acid Reflux is caused by a range of different factors. People at risk of acid reflux may find that smoking, alcohol, rich or spicy food may aggravate symptoms.

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to develop acid reflux as the baby may put pressure on the stomach and not allow the usual amount of food or liquid to be taken in.

Other causes of acid reflux include hiatus hernia, being overweight or stressed. Medications for blood pressure, asthma, depression and insomnia can worsen or cause acid reflux.

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What is the treatment for acid reflux?

For those that already have acid reflux, it is very important that they use effective treatment as damage to the oesophagus can cause other more serious conditions if not treated effectively.

Avoiding smoking, alcohol, rich or spicy food can help reduce the risk of symptoms. Ours community pharmacists can help recommend antacid treatments, or histamine blockers, proton pump inhibitors. It is best not to put up with stomach discomfort. Seek help and advice from our community pharmacists, we have many treatments available over the counter without a prescription.

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ACID REFLUX PRODUCTS

Gaviscon Double Strength Tablets 60 Chewable Tablets

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Active Ingredients: Each Chewable Tablet contains: 500mg sodium alginate  267mg sodium bicarbonate 160mg calcium carbonate Contains phenylalanine. Does NOT contain: Aluminium, sugar, gluten or arti...

Price $29.99

Gaviscon Dual Action Chewable Tablets Peppermint Heartburn & Indigestion Relief 32 Pack

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Experience fast, soothing, and long-lasting relief from heartburn and indigestion with Gaviscon Dual Action. This effective formula tackles discomfort in two ways: by reducing excess stomach acid a...

Price $19.99

Gaviscon Dual Action Liquid Heartburn & Indigestion Relief 600Ml

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Gaviscon Dual Action brings fast, soothing and long lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn (gastric reflux) and indigestion. It works in two different ways: - More effective reduc...

Price $54.99

Gaviscon Dual Action Chewable Tablets Peppermint Heartburn & Indigestion Relief 48 Pack

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Gaviscon Dual Action brings fast, soothing and long lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn (gastric reflux) and indigestion. It works in two different ways:  - More effective redu...

Price $25.99

Mylants 2Go Double Strength 24 Tabs

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Mylanta 2go Antacid Double Strength Tablets provide fast relief for indigestion, heart burn, flatulence and wind pain. Lemon mint flavour. Chewable tablets.Mylanta 2Go Antacid Double Strength is us...

Price $14.99

Gaviscon Double Strength Liquid Heartburn & Indigestion Relief 500Ml

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Gaviscon Double Strength brings fast, soothing and long lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn (gastric reflux) and indigestion.  Gaviscon quickly soothes the burning sensation an...

Price $33.99

Gaviscon Dual Action Chewable Tablets Peppermint Heartburn & Indigestion Relief 16 Pack

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Gaviscon Dual Action brings fast, soothing and long lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn (gastric reflux) and indigestion. It works in two different ways: - More effective reduc...

Price $11.99

Mylanta 2Go Double 48 Tabs

Life Pharmacy Orewa

Mylanta 2go Antacid Double Strength Tablets provide fast relief for indigestion, heart burn, flatulence and wind pain. Lemon mint flavour. Chewable tablets.Mylanta 2Go Antacid Double Strength is us...

Price $21.99

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