While the main function of the stomach is food digestion, it appears that worries, stress and anxiety also affect this part of our body. Feeling overburdened often leads to temporary problems that can turn into chronic. The most prevalent of these problems is heartburn, which is a symptom of increased gastric acid secretion when some of the stomach contents leaks back up into the oesophagus.
Various causes of stomach problems and different names used
A market research among users of medicines for stomach problems showed that adults use different words to describe their symptoms, such as heartburn, burning sensation, stomach pain, tightness, tension, acid rising, reflux and irritation of the throat. The causes of these problems vary, as do the descriptions and experiences of symptoms. Most people associate them with eating habits and stress.1 That is true. Increased gastric acid secretion is most often triggered by spicy and heavy meals, fatty foods, chocolate, alcoholic drinks and coffee. Stress is an additional factor that increases gastric acid secretion due to secretion of cortisol. Moderation is important in reducing the incidence and severity of stomach problems.
Treatment of stomach problems depends on the frequency of symptoms
The modern lifestyle is often associated with stress and unhealthy choices. As a result, there are more and more stomach problems. More than 90% of respondents in the market research reported they had experienced stomach symptoms in the last 6 months. If symptoms repeat every week, it is advisable to seek a more permanent solution. The market research showed that one third of patients experience problems more than once a week and that 60% of them are dissatisfied with the outcomes of their treatment. However, most of them insist on taking antacids, which only provide temporary relief by neutralising gastric acid.1

Why are proton pump inhibitors the medicines of choice for patients with frequent problems?
Long-lasting effect. If symptoms occur more often than once a week, taking a neutralising agent (antacid) may not always be a satisfying solution, as it only provides short-term relief and does not reduce the amount of acid being secreted. Depending on the frequency of symptoms, pharmacists or doctors may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which reduces the secretion of gastric acid and thus provides longer-lasting symptom relief. More than 80% of patients taking PPI continually experienced no recurrence of symptoms in 3 months.8
Simple administration. One single tablet of PPI per day inhibits all final phases of acid secretion (basal, nocturnal and food-stimulated). It prevents acid secretion during the day and at night, consequently relieving night-time symptoms as well.

Nolpaza control is intended for treatment of reflux symptoms (e.g. heartburn, regurgitation) in adults and is available in pharmacies without a prescription. It contains 20 mg of pantoprazole, which acts at the site of gastric acid secretion in the proton pump, thus providing a long-lasting symptom control.
It is important to take it regularly, as it balances acid secretion and prevents recurrence of symptoms. Take one tablet of Nolpaza control daily for 14 days to achieve long-lasting relief of symptoms.
If the symptoms do not improve after 14 days of uninterrupted treatment, consult your doctor. Nolpaza control puts out the fire in your stomach for a long time.
Reference
- Data on file: Market research gastro category, quantitative report, Arhea agency, January 2023
- Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids Revisited. Drugs. 1999; 57: 855–870.
- Freedberg DE, Kim LS, Yang YX. The Risks and Benefits of Long-term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors: Expert Review and Best Practice Advice From the American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology. 2017;152(4):706–715.
- SmPC Nolpaza.
- Blume H et al. Pharmacokinetic Drug Interaction Profiles of Proton Pump Inhibitors. Drug Safety. 2006;29:769–784.
- Teyssen S, Singer MV, Pfützeret R et al. Reliable acid suppression with pantoprazole contrasts with rapid development of tolerance to ranitidine in healthy individuals. Clin Drug Invest 2001.
- Bernshteyn MA, Masood U. Pantoprazole. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499945/.
- Goeree R at al. Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Utility of Long-Term Management Strategies for Heartburn.Value in Health 2002;5.