7 Facts About Heartburn

September 10th, 2007 by colon.ddetox

1. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are responsible for the hospitalization of more people in the US than any other group of disorders.

2. More than 95 million Americans suffer from acid indigestion and heartburn each month.

3. 25% of pregnant women experience heartburn daily.

4. 25% of heartburn sufferers experience chronic symptoms.

5. If heartburn lasts for more than 2 weeks, if patients experience symptoms more than twice a week, or if they must take OTC medication (such as an antacid) two or more times a day to control symptoms, the patient should see a doctor.

6. About 10% of chronic heartburn sufferers who seek medical care have Barrett’s esophagus, a premalignant condition. An estimated 8% of those with Barrett’s esophagus may develop an associated cancer within 10 years of the diagnosis.

7. Persons who have suffered from unresolved heartburn symptoms for a long time, for example, a patient who has ignored heartburn for five to ten years, could be at risk for developing Barrett’s esophagus and should consult a gastroenterologist.

Symptoms to watch for include:

Difficulty swallowing: food often sticking to throat or a feeling that food gets caught before entering the stomach.
Bleeding: tarry black bowel movements or blood mixed with vomit.
Severe heartburn: Heartburn so bad that it wakes up a person during the night, or coughing, choking or hoarseness of the voice due to acid percolating back up to the mouth.

Links:
All Natural Cure for Heartburn
Cure Heartburn & Acid Reflux Naturally