[Self-medication of upper gastrointestinal symptoms: a community pharmacy study].
BACKGROUND
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a common reason for self-treatment with over-the-counter (OTC) medication. However, data on the typology of GI complaints for which individuals seek self-medication and, more importantly, on the prevalence of alarm symptoms in this population are scarce.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate: (i) the nature of GI symptoms people intend to self-medicate, (ii) prevalence of alarm symptoms, (iii) compliance with referral advice given by the pharmacist, and (iv) self-reported efficacy and frequency of use of OTC medication for minor complaints.


METHODS
This descriptive study was performed in 63 community pharmacies. Participants (n=592, aged 18-80 y) completed a questionnaire to assess symptom characteristics and previous medical consulting. Based on this information, the pharmacist referred subjects to a physician or advised self-treatment. Four weeks later, participants were presented a follow-up questionnaire, evaluating compliance with referral advice or efficacy of self-treatment.


RESULTS
The most frequently reported GI complaints were burning retrosternal discomfort (49.2%), acid regurgitation (53.2%) and bothersome postprandial fullness (51.2%). At least 1 alarm symptom was present in 22.4% of the individuals, difficulty in swallowing being the most prevalent one (15.4%). Although twenty-one percent of the customers were referred, only 51.7% of these actually contacted a physician. Almost all of the remaining customers who were advised self-treatment reported symptom relief with the obtained OTC drug (95.1%).


CONCLUSIONS
Mild GI symptoms will mostly resolve with self-treatment. Yet, the value of pharmacist counselling on OTC treatment should be recognized, as community pharmacists can play an important role in
Mehuys
E
E
Laboratorium voor Farmaceutische Technologie, Faculteit Farmaceutische Wetenschappen, Gent. els.mehuys@ugent.be
Verrue
C
C
Van Borte
L
L
De Bolle
L
L
Van Tongelen
I
I
Remon
J P
JP
De Looze
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010594:Pharmacies; D010595:Pharmacists; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology