Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on acid reflux and whooping cough

Q. I am worried I may have reflux. Could you explain what it is?

Heartburn and acid reflux can be very common symptoms. They occur when there is excess acid in the stomach or when acid in the stomach tracks back up into the throat from the stomach, causing irritation and inflammation of the oesophagus (which links the mouth to the stomach).

Certain foods may exacerbate symptoms of heartburn and they include spicy chillies and curries, tea and coffee and acidic foods such as fruit juices and citrus fruit. Alcohol and smoking are major contributors to the symptoms, and being overweight may also contribute.

Heartburn may also develop in pregnancy, as well as being caused by certain prescribed medications.

Simple strategies to combat heartburn can include cutting down on any triggers in your diet, including those mentioned above; sleeping propped up in bed on your side; taking regular exercise; and maintaining a healthy weight.

Replacing large meals with smaller, more frequent meals may also be helpful. Antacid products are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets and serve to reduce levels of excess acid in the stomach.

If you find yourself suffering with heartburn or reflux for a prolonged period of time (more than two weeks without resolution) you should visit your GP, who may prescribe stronger medications to prevent or suppress excess acid production.

Sometimes, particular bacteria in the stomach may be responsible for symptoms of prolonged or excessive heartburn and this can be tested for and eradicated by taking a course of antibiotics prescribed by your GP.

If these measures do not work, your GP may also organise further testing. Often, acid reflux and heartburn can be easily reduced with lifestyle measures. However for persistent symptoms you should visit your GP.

Q. I was recently diagnosed with whooping cough by my GP. What should I do?

Whooping cough or Pertussis is a bacterial infection which can develop suddenly. It can be prevented by vaccination with the routine baby immunisations given as part of the childhood vaccination schedule at two, four and six months of age. It is generally well controlled in countries with effective vaccination programmes; however, some people may not be immune and so may be vulnerable.

Whooping cough generally presents with a cough and a cold and mild fever. The cough usually progresses to attacks or “paroxysms” of coughing where there is a whoop followed by a bout of coughing and may possibly result in vomiting or fainting.

The cough may last for two to three months and the condition is often not diagnosed on the first presentation to a doctor due to non-specific symptoms similar to a cold or respiratory tract infection. If whooping cough is suspected by your doctor, you may be treated with a course of a specific antibiotic for this condition. The diagnosis may be confirmed in a lab by taking a swab from the nose, or with blood tests.

It may be recommended that people in your household who are at increased risk from whooping cough are vaccinated and protected, and in some cases they may need to be treated with antibiotics also to prevent development of the condition. Most people will recover well, however, it may be very serious in young babies or people with a weakened immune system who may need to be cared for in hospital as complications in this case may include pneumonia or seizures.

Vaccination will prevent the majority of pertussis cases, so it is important to make sure your child is up to date with their vaccines and consult your GP if you have a cough that has lasted for longer than two weeks.