Better management of stomach aches can reduce gastro’ side effects
Better management of basic stomach aches and pain – for example, using anti-spasmodics instead of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen – could have the positive impact of reducing the rate of gastrointestinal side effects in the community, according to Australia’s leading health education group for gastrointestinal disorders, The Gut Foundation.
The Gut Foundation has released a new resource designed to guide consumers through various symptoms and management of stomach aches. The aim is to reduce inappropriate self medication that can lead to further medical complications.
According to the President of the Gut Foundation, gastroenterologist Professor Terry Bolin, research from various sources is starting to indicate wide spread use of anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen for stomach aches.
This is despite well established evidence linking ibuprofen with gastrointestinal side effects, the existence of alternatives like anti-spasmodics and clear warnings on ibuprofen packs that say: “Do not take if you have a stomach ulcer or other stomach disorder…”
The Gut Foundation is urging people with stomach pain to consider anti-spasmodics rather than over the counter anti-inflammatory analgesics, because anti-spasmodics are not associated with gastrointestinal side effects.
