A few things you can do to reduce the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
Lifestyle changes
In about 8 out of 10 people 7, indigestion symptoms will improve by making lifestyle changes 5-7.
Lose excess weight.- Cut down on foods that you think may trigger your symptoms. It may help to keep a food diary to track what you eat and your symptoms.
- Reduce or stop smoking.
- Drink less alcohol.
- Sleep in a more upright position by raising the head of your bed with blocks of wood, bricks or pillows.
- Don’t eat within three to four hours of going to bed.
- Try to reduce your stress levels.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Don’t eat too much or too quickly.
- Avoid Over the Counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory pain killers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Taking Medicines
- If lifestyle changes alone don’t work, your symptoms may improve by taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or medicines prescribed by your GP 5-7.
- OTC medicines include various drugs that neutralise the acid in your stomach (antacids) as well as other drugs called H2-receptor antagonists (eg. RaniCalm®) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medicines are available without prescription over the counter at pharmacies. Do not take these medicines for prolonged periods without consulting a pharmacist or GP 5-7.
- Visit www.medicinechestonline.com for lists of medicines available without prescription at pharmacies and other stores 7.