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Heartburn and Indigestion

image Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn is the main symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD, or GERD in North America), a condition commonly referred to as acid reflux where stomach acid leaks out of the stomach and into the oesophagus (gullet).

Possible risk factors known to increase likelihood of developing acid reflux include obesity, smoking, consumption of fatty food, alcohol, coffee or chocolate, pregnancy, having a hiatus hernia and stress.

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen often accompanied by other symptoms such as feeling bloated, heartburn, nausea and belching.

Indigestion is caused by stomach acid coming into contact with the digestive system's sensitive lining. In most cases, like heartburn, indigestion is related to eating, although it can be caused by other factors, such as an infection or taking certain medications.

Most people experience symptoms of heartburn and indigestion at some point in their lives. Symptoms can last for up to three hours and can be quite painful. Fortunately there are many products available to reduce the painful symptoms of acid reflux common with heartburn and indigestion.
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Popular Heartburn and Indigestion Brands

Bisodol
Gaviscon
Rennie

Heartburn and Indigestion Tablets

  • Wind-Eze Gel Caps 20

    Wind-Eze Gel Caps 20

    Wind-Eze Gel Caps 20 give symptomatic relief of flatulence, wind pains, bloating, abdominal distension and other symptoms associated with gastrointestinal gas.

    £4.29
    (incl VAT)
  • Pyrocalm Control 20mg 14 tablets

    Pyrocalm Control 20mg 14 tablets

    Pyrocalm Control 20mg 14 tablets. Gastro-Resistant tablets offering short term relief of heartburn and acid reflux. Pharmacy strength!

    £9.65
    (incl VAT)
  • Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets Roll packs 3 x 20

    Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets Roll packs 3 x 20

    Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets target acid indigestion trapped wind and heartburn.

    £3.29
    (incl VAT)
  • Bragg's Medicinal Charcoal Tablets 100

    Bragg's Medicinal Charcoal Tablets 100

    Bragg's Medicinal Charcoal Tablets 100 are a natural way to adsorb gases in the digestive system, thus releving the discomfort caused by indigestion, wind and heartburn.

    £4.75
    (incl VAT)
  • Braggs Originals Activated Charcoal Capsules 100

    Braggs Originals Activated Charcoal Capsules 100

    Braggs Originals Activated Charcoal Capsules 100 is an original charcoal remedy that provides digestive relief.

    £6.19
    (incl VAT)
  • Braggs Medicinal Charcoal Tablets 250

    Braggs Medicinal Charcoal Tablets 250

    Braggs Medicinal Charcoal Tablets 250 are a natural way to provide symptomatic relief of indigestion, wind and heartburn.

    £10.29
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Advance Mint chewable Tablets 24

    Gaviscon Advance Mint chewable Tablets 24

    Gaviscon advance mint chewable tablets for soothing relief from heartburn, indigestion and reflux acid.

    £6.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Peppermint Tablets 48

    Gaviscon Peppermint Tablets 48

    Gaviscon Peppermint Tablets ease the discomfort of heartburn and indigestion which can occur after meals.

    £6.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Double Action Tablets Mint 48

    Gaviscon Double Action Tablets Mint 48

    Chewable mint tablets which provide fast and powerful relief from heartburn and indigestion.

    £9.95
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Double Action Mint Flavour Chewable Tablets 12

    Gaviscon Double Action Mint Flavour Chewable Tablets 12

    For the relief of acid indigestion and heartburn. Gaviscon Double Action Mint Flavour Chewable Tablets are safe to take during pregnancy.

    £3.65
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Advance Mint Chewable Tablets 60

    Gaviscon Advance Mint Chewable Tablets 60

    Gaviscon Advance Chewable Tablets contain 500mg Sodium Alginate & 100mg Potassium Bicarbonate to effectively combat heartburn and indigestion for up to 4 hours. Mint Flavour.

    £6.45
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Double Action Mixed Berries Flavour Chewable Tablets 12

    Gaviscon Double Action Mixed Berries Flavour Chewable Tablets 12

    Gaviscon Double Action Mixed Berries Flavour Chewable Tablets 12 are ideal for the relief of heartburn and acid indigestion. Gaviscon Double Action are safe to use during pregnancy.

    £3.69
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Double Action Heartburn & Indigestion Mixed Berries Tablets 48

    Gaviscon Double Action Heartburn & Indigestion Mixed Berries Tablets 48

    Gaviscon Double Action Heartburn & Indigestion Mixed Berries Tablets 48 supply a long lasting relief from the burning sensations and pains in the chest caused by heartburn and indigestion.

    £8.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Guardium Gastro Resistant Tablets 7

    Guardium Gastro Resistant Tablets 7

    7 one a day tablets containing esomprazole 20mg to treat acid reflux and indigestion.

    £6.35
    (incl VAT)
  • Maalox Plus Oral Suspension 250ml

    Maalox Plus Oral Suspension 250ml

    Maalox Plus Oral Suspension 250ml contains active ingredients Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide which help to relieve heartburn and indigestion.

    £5.45
    (incl VAT)
  • Nexium Control 7's

    Nexium Control 7's

    One tablet lasts for 24 hours to relieve heartburn and acid reflux.

    £7.30
    (incl VAT)
  • Nexium Control 14's

    Nexium Control 14's

    Nexium Control tablets contain 20mg Esomeprazole to offer 24 hour relief from reflux symptoms.

    £12.80
    (incl VAT)
  • Nexium Control Heartburn Capsules 14

    Nexium Control Heartburn Capsules 14

    Nexium Control Heartburn Capsules are a 1 a day capsule to relieve heartburn and indigestion.

    £11.50
    (incl VAT)
  • Nexium Control Gastro Resistant Tablets 28

    Nexium Control Gastro Resistant Tablets 28

    A one a day gastro-resistant tablet containing esomeprazole to treat heartburn and acid reflux

    £18.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Guardium Acid Reflux Control Esomeprazole 20mg Tablets

    Guardium Acid Reflux Control Esomeprazole 20mg Tablets

    Guardium Acid Reflux Control Esomeprazole 20mg Tablets is for short-term treatment of heartburn and acid reflux in adults aged 18 and over.

    £11.79
    (incl VAT)
  • Numark Heartburn and Acid Reflux Gastro-Resistant 20mg 14 Tablets

    Numark Heartburn and Acid Reflux Gastro-Resistant 20mg 14 Tablets

    Numark Heartburn and Acid Reflux Gastro-Resistant 20mg 14 Tablets are a short-term treatment for the symptoms of reflux such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.

    £7.99
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Numark Heartburn and Acid Reflux Gastro-Resistant 20mg 7 Tablets

    Numark Heartburn and Acid Reflux Gastro-Resistant 20mg 7 Tablets

    Numark Heartburn and Acid Reflux Gastro-Resistant 20mg 7 Tablets provide short-term treatment of reflux symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.

    £4.99
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Perrigo Heartburn & Acid Reflux Control Gastro-Resistant 14 Capsules 20mg

    Perrigo Heartburn & Acid Reflux Control Gastro-Resistant 14 Capsules 20mg

    Perrigo Heartburn & Acid Reflux Control 24 Hour Relief from One capsule daily for the treatment of Heartburn and Acid Reflux symptoms.

    £7.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Perrigo Heartburn & Acid Reflux Control Gastro Resistant 7 Capsules 20mg

    Perrigo Heartburn & Acid Reflux Control Gastro Resistant  7 Capsules 20mg

    One Capsule Daily for 24 hour relief for Heartburn & Acid Reflux Control utilizing the active ingredient Esomeprazole.

    £3.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Pyrocalm Control 20mg 7 tablets

    Pyrocalm Control 20mg 7 tablets

    Pharmacy strength! Pyrocalm Control 20mg 7 tablets. Gastro-Resistant. For the short term relief of heartburn and reflux in adults.

    £5.65
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Dual Action Tablets 24

    Rennie Dual Action Tablets 24

    Rennie Dual Action Tablets contain calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate to neutralise stomach acid fast.

    £4.19
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Rennie Spearmint Tablets 24

    Rennie Spearmint Tablets 24

    Rennie Spearmint Tablets 24 tablets contain calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate for fast relief from symptoms such caused by heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, upset stomach and indigestion during pregnancy.

    £3.00
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Spearmint Tablets 72

    Rennie Spearmint Tablets 72

    Rennie Spearmint Tablets 72 is an antacid tablet which quickly relieves heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, flatulence, acid indigestion, biliousness, hyper-acidity, dyspepsia, indigestion during pregnancy and nervous indigestion.

    £5.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Peppermint Chewable Tablets 96

    Rennie Peppermint Chewable Tablets 96

    Rennie Peppermint Chewable Tablets offer rapid relief from indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux.

    £6.89
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Peppermint Tablets 24

    Rennie Peppermint Tablets 24

    Rennie Peppermint Tablets 24 tablets provide relief from indigestion, heartburn, nervous indigestion, flatulence, over-indulgence in food and drink and indigestion during pregnancy.

    £3.00
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Peppermint Tablets 48

    Rennie Peppermint Tablets 48

    Rennie Peppermint Tablets 48 tablets contain calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate for fast effective relief from symptoms caused by indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, upset stomach and indigestion during pregnancy.

    £3.60
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Rennie Spearmint Tablets 48

    Rennie Spearmint Tablets 48

    Rennie Spearmint Tablets 48 tablets are spearmint-flavoured tablets that provide fast effective relief from symptoms caused by flatulence, upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy.

    £3.60
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Rennie Peppermint Tablets 72

    Rennie Peppermint Tablets 72

    Rennie Peppermint Tablets 72 is a peppermint flavoured antacid tablet which quickly relieves indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach and biliousness.

    £6.70
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Sugar Free Tablets 24

    Rennie Sugar Free Tablets 24

    Rennie Sugar Free Tablets 24 tablets work fast to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, whilst giving the choice to relieve symptoms in a sugar-free way. Being sugar-free enables people who need to monitor their sugar intake to confidently treat their heartburn and indigestion symptoms.

    £3.29
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Sugar Free Tablets 36

    Rennie Sugar Free Tablets 36

    Rennie Sugar Free Tablets combines Calcium carbonate 680mg
    & Magnesium carbonate 80mg to quickly neutralises excess stomach acid to effectively relieve heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux.

    £4.45
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Sugar Free Tablets 48

    Rennie Sugar Free Tablets 48

    Rennie Sugar Free Tablets 48 tablets work fast to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, whilst giving the choice to relieve symptoms in a sugar-free way. Being sugar-free enables people who need to monitor their sugar intake to confidently treat their heartburn and indigestion symptoms.

    £3.95
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Rennie Deflatine 18

    Rennie Deflatine 18

    Rennie Deflatine 18 tablets provide effective relief of acid indigestion, nervous indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach, uncomfortable bloating, biliousness, flatulence, painful trapped wind, and indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. These tablets give people the choice to relieve symptoms in a sugar-free way.

    £5.29
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Deflatine 36

    Rennie Deflatine 36

    Rennie Deflatine 36 tablets give people the choice to relieve symptoms in a sugar-free way. These tablets provide effective relief of nervous indigestion, acid indigestion, heartburn, uncomfortable bloating, upset stomach, painful trapped wind, biliousness, flatulence and indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy.

    £8.80
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Orange Tablets 24

    Rennie Orange Tablets 24

    Rennie Orange Tablets 24 is an antacid tablet made with active ingredient calcium carbonate which neutralises heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, flatulence, acid indigestion, biliousness, hyper-acidity, dyspepsia, indigestion during pregnancy and nervous indigestion.

    £2.88
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Rennie Orange Tablets 36

    Rennie Orange Tablets 36

    Orange flavoured chewable tablets that works within minutes to effectively relieve heartburn & indigestion.

    £4.45
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Orange Tablets 48

    Rennie Orange Tablets 48

    Rennie Orange Tablets 48 can quickly relieve acid indigestion, nervous indigestion, dyspepsia, hyper-acidity, flatulence and indigestion, even during pregnancy.

    £4.80
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Rennie 3-in-1 Relief Tablets 24

    Rennie 3-in-1 Relief Tablets 24

    Rennie 3-in-1 Relief Tablets 24 provides gentle triple symptom relief from heartburn, indigestion and trapped wind. Sugar free.

    £5.39
    (incl VAT)
  • Setlers Antacid Peppermint Tablets 36

    Setlers Antacid Peppermint Tablets 36

    Setlers Antacid Tablets 36 offer symptomatic relief of acid indigestion, heartburn, dyspepsia and nervous indigestion.

    £2.10
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Setlers Antacid Spearmint Tablets 36

    Setlers Antacid Spearmint Tablets 36

    Setlers Antacid are Calcium Carbonate tablets that help relieve the symptoms of acid indigestion, heartburn and wind. Spearmint flavour.

    £2.00
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Numark Peppermint Flavour Antacid 500mg - 48 Tablets

    Numark Peppermint Flavour Antacid 500mg - 48 Tablets

    Numark Peppermint Flavour Antacid 500mg - 48 Tablets a peppermint flavoured tablet for the relief of indigestion, heartburn, dyspepsia, acidity and flatulence.

    £2.10
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock

Heartburn and Indigestion Liquids

  • Acidex SF Aniseed Oral Suspension 500ml

    Acidex SF Aniseed Oral Suspension 500ml

    Acidex treats the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux such as acid regurgitation, heartburn and indigestion.

    £6.95
    (incl VAT)
  • Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Aniseed Flavour 250ml

    Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Aniseed Flavour 250ml

    Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Aniseed Flavour 250ml helps suppress acid reflux that can be the course of heartburn and indigestion.

    £3.75
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Aniseed Flavour 500ml

    Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Aniseed Flavour 500ml

    Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Aniseed Flavour 500ml helps suppress acid reflux that can be the course of heartburn and indigestion.

    £6.50
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Peppermint Flavour 250ml

    Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Peppermint Flavour 250ml

    Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Peppermint Flavour 250ml helps suppress acid reflux that can be the course of heartburn and indigestion.

    £4.30
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Peppermint Flavour 500ml

    Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Peppermint Flavour 500ml

    Acidex Advance Oral Suspension Peppermint Flavour 500ml helps suppress acid reflux that can be the course of heartburn and indigestion.

    £7.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Liquid 150ml

    Gaviscon Liquid 150ml

    Gaviscon Liquid 150ml for fast, soothing, liquid relief from indigestion and heartburn.

    £4.25
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Liquid Original Aniseed 300ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Original Aniseed 300ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Original Aniseed 300ml for fast, soothing, liquid relief from indigestion and heartburn.

    £6.65
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Liquid Original Aniseed 600ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Original Aniseed 600ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Aniseed 600ml offers relief from heartburn and indigestion

    £9.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed 150ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed 150ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed 150ml provides fast, soothing and long lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn and acid indigestion.

    £6.05
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 150ml

    Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 150ml

    Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 150ml is used for the treatment of symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux such as acid regurgitation, heartburn and indigestion which may occur, for example following meals or during pregnancy, and symptoms of excess stomach acid.

    £5.65
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Liquid Peppermint 600ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Peppermint 600ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Original Peppermint 600ml for fast, soothing, liquid relief from indigestion and heartburn.

    £10.25
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Liquid Peppermint 300ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Peppermint 300ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Peppermint 300ml quickly relieves indigestion, excess acid and heartburn.

    £6.60
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Liquid Peppermint 150ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Peppermint 150ml

    Gaviscon Liquid Original Peppermint 150ml for fast, soothing, liquid relief from indigestion and heartburn.

    £4.25
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed 300ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed 300ml

    Gaviscon Advance Aniseed Flavoured Liquid (300ml) contains sodium alginate and potassium hydrogen carbonate which form a protective layer on top of the stomach contents to prevent acid escaping from the stomach where it works into the food pipes causing discomfort.

    £10.79
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed 600ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed 600ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Aniseed 600ml provides long-lasting relief from acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion. Contains Sodium Alginate 1000mg and Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate 200mg.

    £16.20
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Advance Liquid Peppermint Extra Strength 300ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Peppermint Extra Strength 300ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Peppermint contains 1000mg Sodium Alginate & 200mg Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate per 10ml to provide effective, long-lasting relief from acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion.

    £10.75
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Advance Liquid Peppermint 500ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Peppermint 500ml

    Gaviscon Advance Liquid Peppermint 500ml soothes and relieves from heartburn, indigestion & reflux cough. Extra strength formula.

    £10.23
    (incl VAT)
    Sorry, this product has been discontinued.
  • Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 300ml

    Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 300ml

    Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 300ml brings long lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn and acid indigestion. A double action formula that neutralises excess acids and forms a protective barrier over the stomach.

    £7.90
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 600ml

    Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 600ml

    Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Mint 600ml provides fast and effective relief from heartburn and indigestion that lasts up to 4 hours.

    £13.29
    (incl VAT)
  • Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Sachets 12 x 10ml

    Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Sachets 12 x 10ml

    Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Sachets provides you with fast effective relief from the discomfort of heartburn and indigestion.

    £5.80
    (incl VAT)
  • Maalox Antacid Suspension Mint 500ml

    £4.95
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Magnesium Trisilicate Mixture 200ml

    Magnesium Trisilicate Mixture 200ml

    Magnesium Trisilicate Mixture 200ml relieves indigestion and heartburn.

    £2.99
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Rennie Liquid Heartburn - Mint 150ml

    Rennie Liquid Heartburn - Mint 150ml

    Rennie Liquid Heartburn - Mint Flavoured oral suspension acts quickly to sooth and relieve heartburn and indigestion.

    £3.85
    (incl VAT)
  • Rennie Liquid Heartburn - Mint 250ml

    Rennie Liquid Heartburn - Mint 250ml

    Rennie Liquid Heartburn - Mint Flavoured oral suspension acts quickly to sooth and relieve heartburn and indigestion.

    £5.99
    (incl VAT)
  • Pinewood Acidex Peppermint Sugar Free 500ml

    £6.89
    (incl VAT)
  • Peptac Liquid Aniseed Flavour 500ml

    Peptac Liquid Aniseed Flavour 500ml

    Peptac Liquid Aniseed Flavour 500ml provides relief from heartburn with acid indigestion.

    £3.85
    (incl VAT)
  • Peptac Peppermint Liquid 500ml

    Peptac Peppermint Liquid 500ml

    Peptac Liquid Liquid 500ml with Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Alginate Peptac Peppermint liquid provides relief from heartburn with acid indigestion.

    £3.85
    (incl VAT)
  • Phillips Milk of Magnesia 200ml

    Phillips Milk of Magnesia 200ml

    Milk of Magnesia helps to ease indigestion, heartburn and stomach aches in adults and children 3+ years.

    £5.85
    (incl VAT)

Herbal Indigestion Remedies

  • A. Vogel Centaurium 50ml

    A. Vogel Centaurium 50ml

    A. Vogel Centaurium 50ml is ideal for treating indigestion, acid reflux and symptoms of hiatus hernia.

    £9.99
    (incl VAT)
    Buy any 3 or more A. Vogel products and save 5%
  • A. Vogel Digestisan 50ml

    A. Vogel Digestisan 50ml

    Digestisan drops help to relieve the feeling of being full and feeling uncomfortable after a large meal.

    £9.89
    (incl VAT)
    Buy any 3 or more A. Vogel products and save 5%
  • A. Vogel Digestisan 15ml

    A. Vogel Digestisan 15ml

    Drops from A.Vogel to help to relieve the uncomfortable feeling from overeating and drinking.

    £3.50
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
    Buy any 3 or more A. Vogel products and save 5%

Heartburn and Indigestion Salts

  • Original Andrews Salts Tub 150g

    Original Andrews Salts Tub 150g

    Original Andrews Salts quickly relieve a range of stomach upsets including Indigestion and Excess Acid.

    £3.95
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Andrews Salts Tubs 250g

    Andrews Salts Tubs 250g

    Andrews Salts can be dissolved in water and used as an antacid.

    £4.09
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock
  • Eno Salts 150g

    Eno Salts 150g

    Eno Salts 150g fast and refreshing relief from an upset stomach.

    £3.55
    (incl VAT)
    Out of stock

Related Products and Conditions

Heartburn and Indigestion Information

Heartburn and Indigestion FAQs

What is heartburn and indigestion and their symptoms?

Indigestion is a general term used to describe discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen or chest, usually after meals. An alternative term is dyspepsia. When a burning discomfort is felt behind the breast bone, it is known as heartburn.

Heartburn is a burning pain caused by the stomach acid flowing back up your food tube (oesophagus). This is called reflux, the valve (sphincter) at the join between the oesophagus and stomach does not work properly, allowing reflux of the stomach acid. You will normally feel this pain in the centre of your chest or behind your breastbone (sternum). If this is severe, it might feel similar to a heart attack.

Your stomach produces a strong acid that helps digest food and protects you against infection. A layer of mucus lines the stomach, oesophagus and intestines to act as a barrier against this acid. If the mucus layer is damaged, the acid can irritate the tissues underneath and this is known as a peptic ulcer.

Some of the following things can make the symptoms worse: eating a heavy meal, drinking excess alcohol, smoking, stress and anxiety, drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, pregnancy, a peptic ulcer (stomach or duodenal ulcer).

You should seek advice from your GP if you have any of the following symptoms: unintended weight loss, indigestion symptoms for the first time if you are 45 or older, if you experience severe pain, or if the pain gets worse or changes.

Treatments for heartburn and indigestion

The more common over-the-counter indigestion products are antacids, usually a mixture of magnesium ((Philip's Milk of Magnesia) and aluminium salts; calcium carbonate (Setlers); or sodium bicarbonate (Bisodol).

Dimeticone and/or peppermint oil-containing products act as deflatulents. They have an anti-foaming action and release trapped gas to assist belching. Alginate products (Gaviscon) act by forming a raft that floats on the stomach contents and forms a physical barrier between the acidic contents of the stomach and the oesophagus lining. They are particularly appropriate when symptoms are caused by reflux of the stomach content into the oesophagus.

The choice between tablet or liquid is often down to personal preference. But there is some evidence that liquids work quicker, while tablets have a longer lasting effect. Some tablets have a high sugar content.

H2 blockers work by reducing the amount of acid that the stomach produces. Examples of H2 blockers are famotidine and ranitidine (Zantac) cimetidine. The maximum treatment period is two weeks.

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), PPI works by blocking the release of acid and are indicated in gastric reflux. Omeprazole can be found in Pyrocalm Control.

Domperidone (Motilium), stimulates gastric empting and small intestinal transit, as well as enhancing the strength of oesophageal sphincter contraction. Motilium can be given when the stomach may feel full soon after starting to eat, so that it is difficult to finish a meal, or there may be an uncomfortable sense of fullness or bloating after a meal. Buccastem can be used for the treatment of nausea, or even vomiting after food.