Frequent heartburn: Overview

Man with heartburn

Frequent heartburn

Heartburn is a painful condition caused by stomach acid rising up (reflux) into the esophagus where it causes irritation, felt as a burning sensation.1,2

Heartburn is more common after meals, especially fatty meals, and at night, since acid that enters the esophagus is not cleared as effectively during sleep.2

When talking to your patients about their heartburn treatment options, understanding how frequently they suffer along with the intensity of symptoms and the degree to which they impact quality of life and daily functioning is key to making a suitable recommendation.3

Even heartburn experienced twice two days or more per week (frequent heartburn) can make the esophagus sensitive to acid so that it doesn’t take a lot to trigger burning pain.3

By trying some different lifestyle changes, depending on their heartburn triggers, patients can take back control.2,3

These changes can be combined with medicines available over the counter.3

Find out more about ways to support your patients manage their heartburn.

Heartburn is a common problem4

  • Map of Canada showing 40% of users are affected by frequent heartburn

    Nearly 40% of Canadian adults suffer from heartburn, which equates to 10.8 million people. 1 in 2 of these people experience frequent heartburn.5

    To find out more about the causes and triggers please click here.

  • Graphic of key question to ask about heartburn

    Ask patients about their heartburn frequency

    By asking your patients how often they suffer from heartburn each week can help to identify the most suitable treatment option.3

    To find out more about heartburn management click here.

  • 130 Million suffer from Osteoarthritis

    Frequent heartburn affects quality of life.

    Frequent heartburn can disrupt sleep, potentially affecting social functioning and impact physical and mental health.6,7

  • Image highlighting frequent heartburn twice in a week

    Episodic vs. frequent heartburn

    Episodic Heartburn

    • Mild or moderate3
    • Intermittent and infrequent1,3
    • Short duration8
    • Usually no long-lasting effects2

    Frequent Heartburn

    • Recurrent, persistent, with symptoms at least 2 days per week requiring regular management3,8

Signs and symptoms

Typical heartburn symptoms are a burning feeling behind the sternum and an acidic taste in the back of the throat (acid regurgitation).2,3,9

Other symptoms include:10

  • Burping
  • A sour taste in the mouth
  • Nausea
  • Regurgitation of food

Symptoms may often be worse after eating, when lying down, bending over, or at night.2

Patients should be referred to a physician if symptoms do not improve after 14 consecutive days of treatment or experience symptoms for >3 months. If any of the following atypical and alarm symptoms are present, patients should be further evaluated by their family physician:3

  • Vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Involuntary weight loss
  • Difficult/painful swallowing (dysphagia/odynophagia)
  • Chest pain
  • Choking attacks, especially at night
  • Recurrent cough/hoarseness
  • Epigastric mass/lymphadenopathy
  • Family history of esophageal adenocarcinoma
  • New onset of symptoms >50 years of age

Meet Michael

Image of businessman ( Michale )

Michael

Michael is 35 years old and has a busy job as a sales representative which means he often travels.

For the past few months, he has been suffering with heartburn a couple of days a week. He notices it is worse at night and especially if he has eaten late or has a spicy meal.

He would like to find relief for his heartburn that lasts, but is worried about making his condition worse. He is open to taking medication and seeks a recommendation from a healthcare professional.

Find out how Nexium 24HR could benefit Michael

Understand more about frequent heartburn

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Causes, triggers and impact

Find out more about the causes and triggers for frequent heartburn as well as the impact it can have on patients’ quality of life.

Find out more

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Educational resources

Access educational resources to support your team’s understanding of heartburn and its management.

Find out more

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Heartburn management

Find out more about the appropriate management of frequent and occasional heartburn.

Find out more

Learn more

Nexium 24HR Pills

Nexium 24HR (esomeprazole magnesium delayed release capsules USP)

One pill every 24 hours relieves frequent heartburn.11*

*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.

Find out more

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A Guide to Heartburn

Understanding what heartburn is and how to manage it.

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