Survey reveals high awareness of acid reflux, but shows patients aren't doing enough to manage their symptoms

(ARA) - At some point in their lives, almost everyone has heartburn -- that burning, uncomfortable feeling in the chest that often follows a big meal. For many people, heartburn only happens once in a while. But for others, it is frequent and persistent, and may actually be a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux disease. Approximately 50 million American adults experience GERD symptoms on a frequent basis.

A recent survey evaluating Americans’ familiarity with GERD revealed some good news: GERD is a top-of-the-mind health concern that people generally recognize and understand. More than 80 percent of people surveyed were familiar with GERD or acid reflux, and of those, nearly 90 percent knew that GERD, if left untreated, can lead to something more serious, such as damage to the lining of the esophagus.

Despite these high levels of awareness, many people with GERD still aren’t taking proper steps to manage the most commonly reported symptom: nighttime heartburn. The survey showed that 77 percent of people with GERD experience nighttime heartburn, yet only 54 percent realized that eating late at night can aggravate their symptoms.

Avoiding foods that may trigger acid reflux is one of the first lines of defense in controlling GERD symptoms; however, the survey showed that many patients are hard-pressed to give up some of their favorite foods. In fact, more than 80 percent of GERD sufferers admitted that at times they have eaten foods or consumed beverages that they knew would give them heartburn. Younger GERD sufferers (ages 18-34) were more likely to indulge in this practice than their 55 and older counterparts (94 percent vs. 75 percent).

Other lifestyle changes that can reduce or prevent GERD symptoms include:

* Avoiding eating within three hours of bedtime
* Losing excess weight
* Avoid wearing tight clothes and tight belts
* Elevating the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches

If lifestyle changes don’t work, you can try an over-the-counter treatment, such as acid reducers or antacids. If those aren’t providing enough relief, you may want to talk to your doctor about a prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs are designed to stop the production of acid in the stomach so that it doesn’t flow into the esophagus. If you have regular symptoms of GERD, including frequent and persistent heartburn on two or more days a week -- despite treating the symptoms and changing your diet -- talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for your condition.

Courtesy of ARAcontent