Tanya Sklierenko (Markland Wood Pharmacy) for New Pathway, Toronto.
Christmas is a time to rejoice with friends and family. It is a time of festive feasts, filled with rich food and drink. Don’t let heartburn ruin the holidays!
Heartburn or reflux (medically termed gastroesophageal reflux disorder) is the result of the stomach contents entering back into the esophagus (food tube connecting the mouth to the stomach). Food or acid entering back into the esophagus can result in a burning pain in the chest or a lump sensation in the throat that can interfere with swallowing.
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the Christmas season without holiday heartburn:
1) Avoid irritants such as chocolate, caffeine, acidic citrus juices
2) Sample, don’t gorge. Take a few bites of everything on the table, but skip the second and third helpings
3) Avoid lying down after meals and eating for up to 3 hours before bedtime
4) Elevating the head of the bed by 10–20 cm may help if you have heartburn at night
Mild heartburn can be treated by antacids such as TUMS or histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RA) such as Zantac or Losec. H2RAs are stronger medications and may provide relief for 12 hours. Gaviscon is an alternative that may work better than TUMS but carries the risk of aluminum toxicity. Some people may need to take H2RA’s to help control symptoms at night. Drugs that reduce acid can affect the absorption of some medications therefore, speak to your pharmacist before starting these medications.
If you continue to have heartburn symptoms despite treatment or started to have heartburn symptoms after starting a new medication speak to your pharmacist or doctor for more information.
If you are experiencing heartburn sensation more than 3 times a week, experience heartburn that wakes you up at night or experience severe heartburn speak to your doctor for further treatment.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Markland Wood Pharmacy!
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