Indigestion Remedies and Treatments
Indigestion is a result of excess stomach acid irritating the lining of your food pipe (known as the oesophagus), your stomach, or the upper part of your intestine. The symptoms can include pain, inflammation, bloating (feeling very full) and belching.
Indigestion may often, but not always, come on soon after a meal. It is closely associated with heartburn and many people experience both, although not usually at the same time. You can read about the differences between the two here.
If you know what causes or triggers your indigestion, then you may be able to adjust your eating habits or lifestyle to try to prevent it. Additionally, there are many different types of treatment that may help you:
Home remedies
There are a number of natural "home" remedies that may help treat indigestion. These include peppermint oil, tea made from fennel or anise seeds, baking soda, or simply sipping a cup of hot water.1 However, sufferers frequently choose to try scientifically proven medications.
Medications for Controlling Indigestion
Here are five commonly used treatments that you can buy over-the-counter:
Antacids
There are several different antacid products. They usually contain acid neutralizing ingredients like calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate or aluminium hydroxide. They are generally used for mild indigestion and heartburn, and are available in various formulations, including liquid and chewable tablets. Antacids counteract (neutralise) the acid in your stomach that's used to aid digestion. This helps reduce the symptoms of heartburn and relieves pain.
Alginates (rafting agents)
These treatments can be used for indigestion or heartburn and Gaviscon Extra is a well-known example. Gaviscon Extra, for example, contains sodium alginate (the rafting agent) together with calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
Sodium alginate works by forming a protective layer, or raft, on top of the stomach contents - a strong physical barrier to help prevent stomach acid getting up into the oesophagus. The calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate works to quickly neutralise stomach acid, to help prevent further Indigestion or heartburn.
What's more, Gaviscon offers a long-lasting effect that's up to twice as long as antacids.
Histamine H2-receptor antagonists
These products are also called H2- antagonists or H2-blockers. The acid in your stomach is made in the cells of the stomach lining. H2-antagonists work by turning off chemical receptors in those cells so that they stop producing acid. Like Gaviscon, they can be bought over-the counter, or prescribed by a doctor.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) These products also stop the production of stomach acid. However, PPIs work in a different way to H2-antagonists. They block the acid pumps, to prevent the secretion of acid into the stomach.
Again, like Gaviscon and H2-antagonists, some PPIs can be bought over-the-counter, while others are only available on prescription.
Not all products may be suitable for everyone with indigestion. So if you are in any doubt about your symptoms or what indigestion treatments may help, always ask for professional medical advice from pharmacists and doctors.
All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. Gaviscon for Heartburn & Indigestion. Gaviscon Exta Oral Suspension and Gaviscon Extra Chewable Tablets contain sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate. Always read the label. If symptoms are severe or prolonged you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine during pregnancy.
Information reference for this article:
http://www.hse.ie/portal/eng/health/az/A/Antacid-medicines/
http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/D/Dyspepsia/Treating-indigestion.html
http://www.exreflux.com/acid-reflux-medication.html
