-
Heartburn: Front Shop Module 1, 2024
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the middle of the chest behind the breastbone. It is caused
by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (i.e. acid reflux).Occasional reflux is normal and can occur in healthy infants, children, and adults, most often
after a meal. Many people experience heartburn from time to time, caused or worsened by
certain foods or drinks, smoking, pregnancy, stress, and anxiety. Recurrent heartburn,
however, is one of the main symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).Several simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help reduce or prevent heartburn. Patients
presenting in the pharmacy with mild and intermittent symptoms of heartburn may be
managed with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as antacids or alginate-antacid
combinations. Patients presenting with more frequent symptoms (two or more episodes a
week) and patients not responding to antacids may be managed with a short course of other
OTC acid-reducing medicines.Heartburn is common and usually responds well to these interventions. However, it is
important for the front shop staff in the pharmacy to recognise patients with persistent or
recurring heartburn, or unusual or more severe symptoms who require referral to the doctor.
This module discusses heartburn and the management of heartburn in the community
pharmacy setting with lifestyle and dietary changes and OTC medicines.
