Chapter 2: Counselling
Your recommendations should include what you consider to be the best, complete health solution for the patient’s condition.
Explain the complete health solution for their condition, informing the patient why you are recommending each product and lifestyle option - let the patient decide if they want the whole, best health solution or just a part of it.
Pharmacy Medicines
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Esomeprazole
Pantoprazole
Rabeprazole
Omeprazole
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Sodium Bicarbonate
Calcium Carbonate
Sodium Alginate
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Calcium Carbonate
Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium Trisilicate
Magnesium Carbonate
Complementary Medicines
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Liquorice/licorice
Ginger
Chamomile
Lifestyle Choices
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Avoiding foods that trigger syptoms; such as coffee and caffeine containing drinks; alcohol; fatty, spicy, citrus, battered or fried foods; soft drinks; chocolate; peppermint; pastries, cakes and biscuits.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals or avoiding lying down after a meal for 2-3 hours. -
Even a small level of weight loss can reduce symptoms.
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Stop smoking.
Reduce alcohol intake.
In a safe manner, raise the head of the bed if acid reflux symptoms occur at night.
Reduce bending and lifting or lying down soon after a meal.
Other Health Professionals
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The Doctor can write prescriptions for Proton-pump inhibitors that are stronger and in greater quantity than those products available over the counter.
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May be an option for patients with severe symptoms, who are unresponsive to medicines, who have a hiatus hernia.