Heartburn Patients Unaware of Long-Term
Risks
The majority of people suffering from chronic heartburn—known
as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—are
unaware of its potentially serious health consequences,
according to new results from a large multinational
survey released in February.
The findings from the Burning Desires survey showed
that two-thirds (64 percent) of people with symptoms
of GERD did not believe their condition to have any
serious long-term health risks—even though estimates
suggest that up to 45 percent of GERD sufferers develop
inflammation of the esophagus (reflux esophagitis).[1]
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Patients
with diseases that weaken the esophageal muscles,
such as scleroderma or mixed connective tissue
diseases, are more prone to develop GERD. |
GERD has a significant impact on health-related quality
of life (HRQL)[2], and if left untreated, the repeated
flow of stomach acid can damage the gullet, causing
discomfort and pain. Approximately 10-15 percent of
patients with chronic GERD undergoing endoscopy will
be diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus[3], a pre-cancerous
change in the tissue lining of the esophagus that may
ultimately lead to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
Other complications of prolonged acid reflux, such as
narrowing of the esophagus and ulceration, can be painful
and might cause internal bleeding.
Professor Philippe DuCrotte, Professor of Gastroenterology,
Université de Rouen et CHU, France, said that
the survey results clearly demonstrate a need for further
education among heartburn sufferers, particularly those
who have not sought medical treatment.
“It is very important that people suffering from
frequent heartburn don't ignore their symptoms, as there
can be consequences of delaying diagnosis and treatment.
By visiting the doctor earlier, patients can become
better educated and more serious problems can be avoided
through correct and effective treatment.”
Further results from the study showed that GERD sufferers
receiving medical treatment were almost twice as likely
to be aware of the long term health risks associated
with their condition than undiagnosed sufferers.
Previous studies have linked chronic untreated heartburn
with an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma,
which is a rare cancer. One study showed that patients
who had experienced very longstanding, severe and unresolved
heartburn had a 43.5 times greater risk of developing
esophageal adenocarcinoma than those without symptoms,
however the absolute risk is low for developing esophageal
adenocarcinoma.[4]
About the Burning Desires Survey
The survey adopted quantitative research methods to
question 1,908 GERD sufferers in Germany, France, UK
and USA. A total of 1,306 patients were surveyed in
Europe and 602 in the USA. Individuals answered questions
concerning their disease, lifestyle and choice of drug
through face-to-face interviews and a 100-item questionnaire.
Respondents suffering from GERD were identified from
a random telephone screening of > 200,000 households.
Out of the 1,908 participants, 984 were diagnosed and
924 were undiagnosed as GERD sufferers.
Of the 984 diagnosed sufferers, 74 percent were using
prescription medication. An improvement in symptoms
since first taking medication was reported by 65 percent
of 787 undiagnosed sufferers taking OTC medicines, 80
percent of 727 diagnosed patients receiving prescription
drugs, 87 percent of 537 diagnosed patients receiving
PPIs, alone or in combination with other drugs, and
91 percent of 246 diagnosed patients taking PPIs only.
About GERD
GERD is characterized by the regular reflux (rising
backward flow) of gastric acid from the stomach into
the esophagus.
Note: To read more about GERD and other gastrointestinal
manifestations of scleroderma, please read "Medical
Report: Digestive System (Gut, Gastro-intestinal) Involvement
in Scleroderma" at www.scleroderma.org/medical/gastro_articles/khanna_furst_2004_4.shtm
[1]. Malfertheiner P, Hallerback B.
"International Journal of Clinical Practice"
2005;59(3):346-355
[2]. Liker H et al. "J Am Board Fam Pract."
2005 Sep-Oct;18(5):393-400
[3]. Sharma P. "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"
2004;20(Suppl 5):48-54
[4]. Lagergren J et al. "N Engl J Med." 1999
Mar 18; 340(11):825-31
© 2003-2006 "Medical News
Today"; February 23, 2006
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