Medical experts discuss acid reflux symptoms & management techniques for Indians
Chennai, November 01, 2023:Reckitt, a global leader in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition, under its brand Gaviscon, today launched Gaviscon Double Action in Tamil Nadu, offering consumers a solution to acid reflux.In a world where fast-paced lifestyles, changing food habitsand mounting stress levels have become the norm with symptoms of acid reflux becoming bothersome. The burden of this condition is felt not only globally but in India as well.Gaviscon Double Action is formulated and crafted specially to cater to the needs of Indian consumers as the nation observes high prevalence of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Symptomatic acid reflux is a widespread problem, affecting diverse populations. Reflux is the backward movement of acid or stomach contents back into the food pipe, and it causes symptoms such as burning in chest, stomach discomfort sour taste and bad breath etc. While antacids can manage acidity, they are unable to target the cause of reflux.
To shed light on the rising problem of reflux, Gaviscon hosted a panel discussion with esteemed experts including Professor Dr. Peter Kahrilas (Gilbert H. Marquardt, Professor of Medicine), Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine and Professor Dr. PaliHungin, Emeritus Professor at Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University.
The expert panelhighlighted, “It’s crucial for individuals to recognize the symptoms such as burning sensation in stomach/chest, discomfort, and a sour taste or regurgitation as signs of reflux. Managing reflux effectively is a two-fold approach — alleviating the acid contributing to the symptoms and establishing a physical barrier to supress the reflux of stomach contents. Understanding the full spectrum of symptomatic reflux and employing relevant management strategies can significantly enhance patient care.”
The panelalso discussed the management of the dual problem by usingSodium Alginate based products. They help in creating a physical barrier that stops the stomach contents from rising back up, and simultaneously neutralize acid via the antacid.
Coming from the house of Reckitt, Gaviscon’s new Double Action solution is set to be a highly effective solution for reflux sufferers. It has araft action to stopreflux andalso offers an antacid action. This product is safe even for pregnant women for managing their symptomatic reflux and acidity issuesas the product is not absorbed into the body.Gaviscon is one of the leading alginate antacid brands internationally, and among the foremost such products in the country that has been trusted by medical practitioners for over a decade now.
Commenting on thelaunch, Edward Thomas, Global Medical Marketing Manager, Gaviscon and Manav Sohal, Brand Manager, Reckitt India (Strepsils and Gaviscon)said, “We have built a good reputation in the market based on high-quality Gaviscon products that have been prescribed by
doctors globally for over 40 years now. The Gaviscon Double Action is the latest addition in the range of solutions that we have introduced in India. The launch symposia held today is going to be invaluable in terms of knowledge dissemination related to the problem of reflux and on improving patient care in India,”
The management of reflux depends on symptom frequency and severity, guided by the physician’s recommendation. Lifestyle changes like frequent small meals, avoiding overtly spicy/fatty foods, staying upright after meals, reducing stress, and refraining from smoking/alcohol are advised. Cutting down on carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, and chocolate is recommended, as is avoiding tight clothes. Overweight individuals are encouraged to shed weight and exercise regularly. For persistent symptoms, short-term antacid use alongside reinforced lifestyle changes is recommended.
About Reckitt:
Reckitt exists to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We believe that access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment is a right, not a privilege. Reckitt is the company behind some of the world’s most recognisable and trusted consumer brands in hygiene, health and nutrition, including Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Enfamil, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mortein, Mucinex, Nurofen, Nutramigen, Strepsils, Vanish, Veet, Woolite and more.
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