10-minute module

MANAGING HEARTBURN AND INDIGESTION IN THE PHARMACY

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 4 IN 1O PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY DYSPEPSIA SYMPTOMS EACH YEAR.1

Dyspepsia describes a complex set of upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms that are typically present for 4 or more weeks. These include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea and/or vomiting.1 Patients may use the term indigestion when they mean heartburn or general dyspepsia, so it is important to understand their symptoms.

Indigestion and heartburn have been identified as conditions that are suitable for self-care with OTC products and lifestyle changes.

The pharmacy team can support patients to understand when they can use self-care measures and when they should speak to their GP.

Objectives

Objectives

On completing this module you will:

  • Understand how to identify and manage acute symptoms of dyspepsia in the pharmacy and when to refer
  • Be aware of the comparative effectiveness of OTC options for treating these symptoms
  • Recognise when it may be appropriate to use more than one product
  • Understand when and how to recommend products

REVALIDATION: Pharmacy professionals can use this CPD as one of their revalidation records, and record how this learning benefited their pharmacy customers.

Product information is available at the end of the module

Produced by RB working with CIG Healthcare Partnership. © 2O2O CIG Healthcare Partnership.
Date of preparation: August 2O2O. Job number: RB-M-12113