The digestive system relies on a delicate balance of stomach acid and digestive enzymes to properly break down food and absorb essential nutrients. Stomach acid helps activate digestive enzymes whilst protecting against harmful bacteria, while enzymes facilitate the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms.
Common digestive complaints amongst Australians include bloating, indigestion, stomach pain, and irregular bowel movements. These issues often stem from factors such as stress, dietary choices, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions. It's important to seek professional advice from your pharmacist or GP if symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen over time, or are accompanied by severe pain, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss.
Australian pharmacies stock various treatments to address digestive concerns. Popular antacids include Gaviscon, Mylanta, and Quick Eze, which provide rapid relief from stomach acid imbalance. For more persistent issues, proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Somac offer longer-lasting acid suppression, whilst H2 receptor antagonists like Tagamet provide moderate acid reduction.
Dosage recommendations vary significantly between age groups, with children requiring specific formulations and reduced doses compared to adults. Always consult your pharmacist before giving digestive medications to children under 12 years. Many digestive treatments can interact with other medications, particularly affecting absorption of antibiotics, iron supplements, and some heart medications. Lifestyle factors such as meal timing, stress levels, alcohol consumption, and physical activity significantly impact digestive health and medication effectiveness.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the oesophagus, causing the burning sensation known as heartburn. Common triggers include spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and large meals consumed close to bedtime. Occasional heartburn affects most Australians at some point, whilst gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) represents a chronic condition requiring ongoing management.
The difference between occasional heartburn and GORD lies in frequency and severity. GORD symptoms occur more than twice weekly and can significantly impact quality of life, affecting sleep, eating habits, and daily activities. Left untreated, chronic acid reflux may lead to complications including oesophageal damage and increased infection risk.
Over-the-counter antacids such as Rennie, Tums, and Andrews provide immediate relief by neutralising existing stomach acid. These work within minutes but offer relatively short-term relief. For moderate symptoms, prescription medications including esomeprazole and pantoprazole offer more sustained acid suppression by reducing acid production at its source.
Dietary recommendations include avoiding known trigger foods, eating smaller portions more frequently, and maintaining a food diary to identify personal triggers. Timing matters significantly – avoid eating large meals within three hours of bedtime and take medications as directed relative to meal times for optimal effectiveness. Elevating the head of your bed and sleeping on your left side can reduce nighttime symptoms, whilst maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress levels provide additional long-term benefits.
Constipation affects millions of Australians and can be classified as either acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing for weeks or months). Acute constipation often results from temporary changes in routine, whilst chronic constipation may indicate underlying health issues. Contributing factors include low-fibre diets, inadequate fluid intake, certain medications (particularly opioids and iron supplements), sedentary lifestyle, and medical conditions. Seek medical attention if constipation persists beyond a week, is accompanied by severe pain, blood in stools, or significant changes in bowel habits.
Australian pharmacies stock various laxative types, each working differently. Bulk-forming laxatives like Metamucil and Benefiber add fibre to increase stool volume. Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot and Dulcolax directly stimulate bowel muscles. Osmotic laxatives including Movicol and glycerol suppositories draw water into the bowel to soften stools. Stool softeners and combination products offer gentler alternatives for sensitive individuals.
Most laxatives should only be used short-term (typically 3-7 days) unless directed by a healthcare professional. Age-specific recommendations vary, with children and elderly patients requiring special consideration. Contraindications include bowel obstruction, severe abdominal pain, and certain medical conditions. Common side effects may include cramping, bloating, or electrolyte imbalances with prolonged use.
Prevention remains the best approach to constipation. Adults should aim for 25-30 grams of dietary fibre daily through:
Regular physical activity and establishing consistent toilet routines also promote healthy bowel function.
Diarrhoea commonly results from acute gastroenteritis caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Food poisoning and traveller's diarrhoea represent frequent acute episodes, whilst certain medications including antibiotics and chemotherapy can trigger symptoms. Chronic diarrhoea lasting more than four weeks may indicate inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or other conditions requiring medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical care for severe dehydration, high fever, blood in stools, or symptoms persisting beyond 48 hours in adults.
Loperamide-based products like Imodium and Gastro-Stop effectively slow intestinal movement, reducing frequency and urgency of bowel movements. These medications work by binding to opioid receptors in the gut wall. Bismuth subsalicylate offers additional anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, particularly useful for traveller's diarrhoea. Combination products containing rehydration salts address both symptom control and fluid replacement simultaneously.
Oral rehydration solutions containing balanced electrolytes help replace lost fluids and minerals. These products are especially important for children, elderly patients, and those with prolonged symptoms. Avoid anti-diarrhoeal medications if fever or blood is present, as this may indicate bacterial infection requiring different treatment approaches.
When dealing with diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive fluid loss, oral rehydration solutions are essential for maintaining proper hydration levels. In Australia, trusted brands like Hydralyte and Gastrolyte provide scientifically formulated solutions that contain the optimal balance of glucose and electrolytes to maximise fluid absorption in the small intestine. These products are available in various flavours and formats, including sachets, tablets, and ready-to-drink solutions, making them convenient for home use or travel.
Electrolyte replacement is crucial during illness as your body loses essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride through fluid loss. These minerals are vital for proper muscle function, nerve transmission, and maintaining blood pressure. Standard water alone cannot effectively replace these lost electrolytes and may actually worsen the situation by diluting remaining electrolyte levels in your system.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms including persistent vomiting preventing fluid retention, signs of severe dehydration such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or decreased urination, or if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours despite treatment.
Motion sickness affects many Australians during travel, whether by car, boat, or plane, particularly on winding coastal roads or rough seas. Morning sickness during pregnancy requires special consideration, as certain medications may not be suitable. Additionally, nausea can result from medications or occur post-operatively, each requiring different management approaches tailored to the underlying cause and individual circumstances.
Australian pharmacies stock various anti-nausea solutions including antihistamines like Dramamine and Travel Calm, which are effective for motion sickness prevention. Natural alternatives such as ginger products and Sea-Bands offer drug-free options, particularly beneficial for pregnant women or those preferring natural remedies. For severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary, and your pharmacist can advise on the most appropriate treatment approach.
Timing is crucial for motion sickness prevention - medications should typically be taken 30-60 minutes before travel. Consider these important factors:
Excessive gas and bloating can result from various dietary factors, including high-fibre foods, carbonated drinks, or food intolerances such as lactose intolerance. While some gas production is normal during digestion, persistent or painful bloating may indicate underlying issues such as irritable bowel syndrome or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth that require professional evaluation.
Effective treatments available in Australian pharmacies include simethicone products like Wind-Eze and De-Gas, which help break down gas bubbles for easier elimination. Digestive enzyme supplements can assist with food breakdown, while probiotic products support healthy gut bacteria balance. Activated charcoal products may provide temporary relief by absorbing excess gas in the digestive system.
Long-term management focuses on identifying and avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals more frequently, and chewing food thoroughly. Keeping a food diary can help pinpoint problematic foods, while regular physical activity and staying hydrated support healthy digestion and reduce bloating episodes.
