50% Of Irish Adults Suffer From Heartburn
One-third of Irish adults confuse the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion with pain associated with heart attack or angina, according to a new survey.
The study of 1,000 adults further shows that nearly 50% of Irish adults suffer from heartburn or indigestion, while 23% report that heartburn affects their sleep patterns.
Those who suffer from heartburn or indigestion say they have developed a number of coping strategies, according to the survey.
*16% admitted they watch their weight
*Over half use medication bought in a pharmacy or supermarket
*16% treat their heartburn or indigestion with prescription medicine
*15% do not treat their symptoms at all.
Heartburn is a burning sensation that is felt in the chest when stomach acid moves from the stomach up to the food pipe. This backflow from the stomach is also termed acid reflux.
Dublin GP Dr Micheal O’Brien said anyone suffering from heartburn or indigestion should consult their local pharmacist or GP.
The research was commisisoned by Gaviscon.
(info from http://www.irishhealth.com/?level=4&id=7881)