Heartburn and reflux
It’s very uncomfortable and at times I get heartburn. I have cut down on starchy foods — potatoes and pasta — but the problem remains. Should I be worried?
Heartburn is common and is caused by stomach acid leaking into the bottom of the oesophagus (gullet). This can reflux upwards causing an unpleasant acid or burning sensation in the mouth.
Most people get occasional symptoms of heartburn and if these settle rapidly, perhaps with an over-the-counter antacid remedy, no further action is needed.
Your GP will be concerned about more persistent symptoms, especially if it’s not a problem you’ve often had before.
There are several well-known triggers — for example, smoking, alcohol, coffee, or fatty or spicy foods — which you may be able to influence.
Eating your evening meal at least three or four hours before you go to bed can help. You can also raise the head of your bed about 15cm, although make sure it’s stable.
If you’re taking other regular medication you should check with your pharmacist as occasionally these can aggravate heartburn. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, are particularly prone to do this.
Your pharmacist can also recommend over-the-counter treatments, which are often effective. If you find you need to take these on a weekly basis you need to see your GP.
Although your GP may prescribe a further course of medication they may well suggest a procedure called an endoscopy.
This passes a camera on a flexible tube though your throat to check the lining of the gullet and stomach. It’s a day-case procedure and usually takes 20-40 minutes.
This will often provide an explanation for your symptoms and allow your GP to plan future treatment.
The veins became more marked with the following two pregnancies. There is no pain but the veins look unsightly.
I would love to wear skirts but am embarrassed by my legs. Is there anything I can do?
These are very thin and irregular, red-to-blue lines that appear to lie very close to the surface of the skin.
They may look tangled together or have a ‘sunburst’ appearance from a centre point. They don’t cause any pain or discomfort but can be cosmetically embarrassing.
They may be associated with varicose veins, which are larger and more raised blood vessels. These may ache or cause a burning sensation.
Both often occur in the legs and are more common in women. Both spider and varicose veins are thought to occur as the blood circulating through the lower legs temporarily pools in slightly enlarged veins.
As well as pregnancy they may also run in families and occur if you have to stand a long time.
If you have varicose veins I’d recommend you check with your GP first, as these may be treatable and your thread veins may spread without such treatment.
Spider veins are considered a cosmetic rather than medical problem. There are two main types of therapy. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the veins directly.
This damages the walls of the veins, which after a period of some weeks close up and disappear.
Alternatively a focused laser or pulsed-light can produce a similar effect, sealing the walls of the veins.
Both treatments usually produce mild localised inflammation and discomfort which may last a few weeks.
If you have a question
about your health email it to
feelgood@examiner.ie
or send a letter to:
Feelgood,
Irish Examiner,
City Quarter,
Lapps Quay, Cork.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
