There are a wide range of treatment options available for heartburn and indigestion. However, it is important to find out if your customer has any 'alarm' symptoms, such as blood in their stools, difficulty swallowing, recurrent vomiting or weight loss, as these signs could imply that there is a more serious problem that needs to be addressed. Any customer with these symptoms should be referred to the pharmacist.

Self care tips

• Eat small, regular meals and chew food thoroughly
• Don't eat late at night or just before going to bed
• Avoid rich, fatty or spicy foods
• Cut down or try to stop smoking
• If overweight, try to lose a few pounds
• If symptoms are worse at night, try using an extra pillow to raise the upper body.

Antacids

Antacids can contain aluminium and magnesium salts, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. They work by neutralising the acid in the stomach and are therefore useful in the management of indigestion. They provide fast relief from heartburn and indigestion symptoms but are short acting, so repeat doses may be required. Examples: Remegel Original, Bisodol, Rennie.

Alginates

Alginates form a 'raft' that floats on top of the stomach's contents and helps prevent acid from escaping back up into the oesophagus. Some alginate products also contain an antacid, which has the additional benefit of neutralising stomach acid. Examples: Gaviscon Advance, Gaviscon Double Action.

Bismuth subsalicylate

Bismuth compounds coat the lining of the stomach to prevent irritation and can help lessen the feeling of nausea. Example: Pepto-Bismol Liquid Suspension.