Reflux

What is reflux? Reflux is a term that gets bandied around from time to time and is most often associated with the idea of heartburn. We get heartburn when small amounts of stomach fluid, which is acidic, rise (refluxes) into the oesophagus. Basically, our stomach is designed to contain these acidic fluids that are essential to breaking down the food we eat, when these fluids move into areas they are not meant to be, our bodies reaction is one of pain, what we call heartburn. Heartburn is most often experienced after a meal or when lying down, larger meals like cruise ship buffets and some types of foods, like spicy or fatty foods are also more likely to cause heartburn. Drinking coffee, alcohol and soft drinks may also cause heartburn in some people.

Reflux, or heartburn, as a standalone event (once every couple of weeks) does not necessarily present as problematic. Often, you will begin to identify what triggers heartburn. Avoiding these triggers (it might be that cruise ship buffet) is the easiest, and most obvious way of preventing heartburn. As with most things health related, changes to lifestyle are also likely to relieve occasional heartburn. Simple things to do may include eating smaller amounts more often, eating food slowly, and to avoid lying down within three hours of eating (no more midnight cheesecake). Beneficial lifestyle changes that will also improve your overall health, like avoiding drinking too much, giving up the smokes, and maintaining a healthy weight (for you) also decrease the likelihood of reflux. If you begin to experience reflux twice a week, or more often, you should see a G.P. Reflux that keeps on happening may be a symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease can lead to a range of other symptoms. Vomiting, wheezing, tooth decay, laryngitis, excessive belching, and bad breath may also be caused by GORD. As with heartburn, for most people, diet and lifestyle changes are the most effective long-term strategy for relieving feelings of ill health associated with GORD. Short term remedies include over the counter medications, which Ewan or Sam would be delighted to help you with.

If you have persistent chest pain (if it is sudden onset, call an ambulance), your symptoms are getting worse, you can not eat or sleep, are losing weight, vomiting often, or are vomiting blood (this one is important), see your doctor. Knowing what is going on with your body, how and why things that you are doing affect your health, is all part of health literacy. Health literacy is about accessing, understanding and applying information about your health and the health care system to make decisions that relate to your own health.

Our next skill drill will be 8 July, in the shed on Grassy Road, 18:00 to 19:30, we start a little earlier in winter and always have a hot pot of soup at hand. If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email norfolk.island@stohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au