Heartburn & Indigestion Flashcards
What is heartburn?
Heartburn or acid reflux occurs when the muscles between the stomach and oesophagus allows stomach acid to leak back up into the oesophagus.
The oesophagus does not have a protective lining and therefore causes irritation.
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
Burning pain behind breastbone.
What are the causes of heartburn?
Pregnancy Being overweight Wearing tight clothing Smoking Spicy/fatty foods
What is indigestion/dyspepsia?
Occurs when acid from the stomach comes into contact with the lining of the digestive system.
Symptoms of indigestion/dyspepsia?
Pain in the upper abdomen
Belching
Feeling of fullness
What are the causes of indigestion?
Smoking
Eating heavy/spicy meals
Alcohol
NSAIDs can irritate the lining
Foods to aid digestion?
Oatmeal - encourages a slow digestion and is rich in soluble fibre.
Rice - Is high in fibre
Ginger
Peppermint
What do you do in the case of reoccurring indigestion?
Refer due to alternative causes. e.g. Stomach ulcer Hiatus hernia H. pylori infection
What are the alarm symptoms of indigestion?
Blood in their stools Difficulty swallowing Recurrent vomiting Weight loss Lasted longer than 2 weeks Children
What are antacids?
Antacids contain aluminium or magnesium.
These ingredients neutralise the acid in the stomach to aid indigestion.
e.g. Rennies
What are Alginates?
Alginates form a raft that floats on top of the stomach to prevent acid escaping back to the oesophagus.
e.g. Gaviscon advance
How does Bismuth compounds work?
Coat the lining of the stomach to prevent irritation.
e.g. pesto-bismol oral suspension
What are H2 antagonists?
e.g. ranitidine
Not used in pregnancy.
Inhibit the production of acid.
What are PPIs?
e.g. esomeprazole (Nexium)
Inhibit the production of stomach acid.
Intended for short term relief
Self-care tips for indigestion?
Eat small, regular meals and chew food thoroughly.
Do not eat late at night.
Avoid rich, fatty or spicy foods.
No smoking.
