Frequent heartburn: Causes, triggers and impact on quality of life
Understanding heartburn
Heartburn may be episodic or frequent (occurring 2 or more days a week).1
In this section we review the causes and triggers of heartburn, as well as the impact frequent heartburn can have on your patients’ quality of life.
Causes of heartburn
Stomach acid is normally blocked from entering the esophagus by the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). The LOS opens to let food and liquid pass from the esophagus into the stomach and remains closed between meals.2
If the LOS does not work as it should or fails, stomach acid can flow back up into the oesophagus.1,2 This causes the pain and discomfort of heartburn.3
Triggers for heartburn
Heartburn may be made worse by the following things:1–6
- Certain food and drink such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Stress and anxiety
- Some medications including anti-inflammatory painkillers
- A hiatus hernia (when part of your stomach moves up into your chest)
The impact of frequent heartburn on quality of life
Quality of life impacts of heartburn
Regardless of severity, frequent heartburn causes significant disruption to people’s lives.1,7,8
Some activities affected by heartburn are:5
- Ability to eat and drink what people want
- Sleeping/lying down
- Ability to concentrate
- Ability to work, socialise and lead a normal life
Heartburn sufferers report feeling:5
- Irritable
- Frustrated
- Embarrassed
- Sick
- Resigned
Understand more about frequent heartburn
Overview of frequent heartburn
Find out more about frequent heartburn including a profile of a patient who may suffer with condition.
Educational resources
Access educational resources to support your team’s understanding of heartburn and its management.
Learn more
Nexium 24HR (esomeprazole magnesium delayed release capsules USP)
One pill every 24 hours relieves frequent heartburn.9*
*May take 1-4 days for full effect. Take Nexium 24HR every day for 14 days. For heartburn that occurs 2 or more days a week.
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