Managing symptoms of reflux is the topic of new quick reference guidance for pharmacists published by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) recently.
The guidance covers causes of reflux symptoms and experiences of patients, triage, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management options. “Reflux is common in the community and giving advice on this condition is part of pharmacists’ daily practice.
“Reflux symptoms can be influenced by lifestyle factors, including diet and body weight, and it is important to consider modifications in risk factors and behaviours that can increase symptom frequency, severity and magnitude,” according to Mr Rúben Viegas, FIP Practice Development and Transformation projects Co-ordinator, and author of the guidance.
The guidance has been produced as part of FIP’s work to increase the sustainability of health systems through empowering self-care.
“Pharmacists can empower patients
to make better health choices, to take better control of their own health, and
to take responsibility in managing common ailments such as reflux symptoms, reducing the need for unnecessary visits to primary care facilities or emergency departments,
and lessening reliance on prescription-only medicines,” Mr Viegas added.
