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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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April 27, 2010 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Bigger Problems Down The Pike
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Stomach and bowel problems
are common occurrences in our busy lives, evidenced by the myriad of
products in the marketplace to treat these health discomforts. What
causes these problems? Is it our diet? Is it from the stress of the
fast-paced life we keep or pressures from our jobs? Is it from something
in our environment? Or is it just our own unique biological make up?
Regardless of the cause, people often tend to self-treat their illness,
rather than seek appropriate medical evaluation and they turn to the OTC
(over-the-counter) aisle for relief. But the relief chosen may actually
not be the correct medication for their problem. This could cause
greater problems down the “digestive” pike.
For example, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) just released an
article (February 2010) that illustrates how confusing the OTC market
can be. The manufacturer of Maalox has two liquid products on the market
that look similar in name and packaging, but have different ingredients
for relief of different symptoms. Using the wrong product can cause
serious side effects in some people. Maalox Advanced Regular Strength
(also comes in Maximum Strength) contains the active ingredients
aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and simethicone for the relief
of acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, upset stomach and
pressure/bloating. However, Maalox Total Relief Maximum Strength has
only one active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, for the relief of
diarrhea, upset stomach associated with nausea, heartburn and gas due to
overeating. These two products are NOT interchangeable. Maalox Total
Relief is not a good choice as an antacid. It also contains a compound
similar to aspirin, which is contraindicated in persons with ulcers or
bleeding disorders. (FYI-the makers of Maalox have voluntarily agreed to
change this product's name and packaging to avoid further confusion and
misuse.)
This example illustrates that consumers must read a product's label for
ingredients and proper use, especially as there continues to be the
release of previously prescription drugs into the OTC market. The drug
facts information is on the package for a reason. All drugs, whether
prescription or OTC, need to be used with care and knowledge.
As to the cause of your symptoms, if they are continuous rather than
just occasional, you should check with your health care provider for a
diagnosis that you can treat correctly. There are many digestive
diseases that can cause similar symptoms. They include Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS, sometimes called a spastic colon); Inflammatory Bowel
Disease (IBD-less common than IBS and includes several forms such as
Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.) Heartburn can have many causes.
It can result from plain old-fashioned indigestion or may be caused by a
more serious problem such as ulcers, hiatal hernia, or gastroesophogal
reflux disease (GERD.) These three require medical evaluation and
treatment because left untreated, they can cause serious health problems
later on. For a free information packet about the digestive problems,
District residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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