Dryden
Brown Ltd
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TRAVEL
HEALTH
HEARTBURN & INDIGESTION
Heartburn
or indigestion is a burning sensation or discomfort. It
is felt between the ribs and just below the breast bone.
Sometimes a sour or bitter fluid comes up into the mouth
or throat. Indigestion has many causes such as: overeating,
obesity, irritant medicines such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen,
alcohol, stomach ulcers or stomach infections. Sometimes
the muscle valve at the top of the stomach does not work
properly, often because the stomach has been pushed up through
the gap in the diaphragm which the gullet passes through
(known as a hiatus hernia).
The symptoms may worsen through anxiety, stress, smoking
or alcohol, as these produce more and stronger stomach acid.
The symptoms may also worsen if you put on weight or become
pregnant.
What
you can do yourself
Rest your stomach. Do not drink coffee or alcohol, and
do not smoke. Avoid hot spicy food, such as curry.
Notice foods that bring on your heartburn.
Eat often and in small amounts. Take snacks like digestive
biscuits and water. Chew your food well. Avoid any medicines
which could irritate the stomach (most painkillers eg
Aspirin and rheumatic pain remedies). Ask your pharmacist
for advice or a suitable medicine.
After your holiday has finished try to lose weight, even
a few pounds.
Take an over-the-counter preparation for heartburn.
Avoid meals within two hours of bed time.
Consider whether stress could be a cause.
Go to bed on time.
Contact
a doctor
If you are getting stomach pains repeatedly, especially
at night.
If you are losing weight without trying.
If your appetite is reduced.
If despite dietary efforts and antacids the problem lasts
longer than two weeks.
If you are over 55 years of age.
Contact
a doctor immediately
If you vomit and bring up blood.
If your stools (bowel movements) look black.
To order
your copy of a What should I do? booklet
use one of the following methods:
On-line
Shop
Phone: +44 (0) 23 8022
9041
Fax: +44 (0) 23
8022 7274
 
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