The role of the pharmacist in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases

Pharmacists are health care professionals and their role is to provide health services, recommendations and support to all type of patients with a diversity of pathologies, including gastrointestinal diseases. In the last years, in countries where previously some gastrointestinal diseases were not so common, nowadays are augmenting, for example Crohn’s disease. In some country as Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe the number of patients with this type of diseases is constantly growing. Considering its high incidence, physical, mental and economic impact, it is vital to prevent as much as possible its apparition. High risk factors are represented by inadequate diet and lifestyle, medication side effects, drugs interactions or administration and dosage errors. The aim of this paper is to analyze the important role of pharmacists in preventing some gastrointestinal effects by offering correct information and advices to patients. This paper includes information related to self-medication, over-the-counter medication, side effects and the importance of microbial flora, equilibrate diet and lifestyle.