By Lexi Elo
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) commonly known as heartburn is a chronic symptom of mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux disease is usually caused by changes in the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, including abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Characterised by abnormal exposure of the mucosa of the lower oesophagus to acid due to dysfunction of the lower oesophageal sphincter, the symptoms of GERD include chest pain, post-meal pain, hoarseness, sore throat, nausea and difficulty in swallowing.
Available statistics suggest that reflux disease affects about 10 to 30 per cent of adult population in the western world. The disease is also one of the common ailments among many Nigerians. While it may be experienced occasionally by some sufferers, it may persist in others. Where the symptoms of reflux disease persist, urgent treatment is often recommended because an untreated reflux disease can result in more complicated health problems.
In most recent times, heartburn has become a public health issue and a source of worry to concerned stakeholders such as health experts, international health bodies and even corporate organisations. The need to double efforts in finding more innovative ways to treat the disease is the reason Gaviscon, the leading non-prescription pharmaceutical brand from the stables of RB Nigeria Limited, has been partnering with relevant professionals to stem the prevalence of the disease in the country.
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Gaviscon was the co-host of the eighth Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) in Ilorin, Kwara State during which experts shared knowledge on more innovative ways to alleviate the plight of Nigerians who are suffering from the disease.
The conference tagged ‘Infectious Disease and Gastroenterology Practice in Nigeria’ featured expositions by a reputable international faculty and several experts on reflux disease and innovative methods of treating the disease.
Speaking on the partnership initiative by Gaviscon, Marketing Director, RB West Africa, Oguzhan Silivrilli, said it aligned with the product’s positioning as an innovative brand, saying Gaviscon constantly seeks new ways to help alleviate the burden of those who are suffering from reflux disease.
He said, “Our vision is to have a world where people live healthier lives in happier homes. Our purpose is to make a difference by providing innovation solutions for healthier lives and happier homes. To achieve our purpose and to be meaningful partner for the healthcare community, RB Nigeria Limited continues to invest in its brands across the home, health and hygiene segments.”
In a presentation on behalf of RB Nigeria, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Samaila Adamu stated that part of the innovation in the treatment of reflux disease was that Gaviscon contains alginate, a very essential ingredient for treating heartburn.
“Reflux disease is very common in Nigeria. Before the advent of Gaviscon and other forms of alginate, we had antacids which neutralise the acids but do not have the additional property of alginate that protects the oesophegus from the reflux content of the stomach by forming a raft. The discovery of the acid bucket which is a new insight into the pathogenesis of what causes reflux disease in Nigerians and the availability of Gaviscon would go a long way in the treatment of heartburn. This would improve the quality of life for Nigerians generally”, he said.
Another expert and Consultant Gastroenterologist and Director of Medical Education at Princess Diana of Wales Hospital, United Kingdom, Asif Naqvi on his part, revealed that 40 per cent of patients who suffer from reflux diseases do not respond to the Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) treatment only, therefore they require a treatment that involves the use of alginate which is present in Gaviscon.
‘‘There are patients who cannot be controlled by PPIs. One very simple solution which is time tested is the use of alginate which is present in Gaviscon. The reason Gaviscon works is because study has shown that there is a small amount of acid below the gullet into the stomach which remains unbaffled; other drugs that we use like the PPIs do not control it. Hence, there is a need to look for other remedies like the alginate which is present in Gaviscon”, he noted.
While highlighting the benefits of the Gaviscon brand, President of SOGHIN, Prof. Musa Borodo, said, “Reflux disease is very common in Nigeria and it can be very troublesome. Standardly we use Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) but we get difficult situations when we want to do some add-ons; in this situation, we have found Gaviscon to be very useful.”