GERD Patients Taking PPIs May Experience Recurring Symptoms

In survey recently conducted by the American Gastroenterological Association, nearly 40% of the GERD patients surveyed who take proton pump inhibitors to control the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease state that they continue to experience breakthrough symptoms as such as heartburn.

1064 patients with GERD were surveyed, and approximately 56% of those who experience breakthrough symptoms used an over-the-counter treatment, such as an antacid, to manage those breakthrough symptoms.

"The survey results show that people with GERD are not only using their prescribed PPI, but also are turning to over-the-counter remedies as a stop-gap when they have breakthrough symptoms," said John Inadomi, MD, associate professor of medicine, University of California, San Francisco.

Additional findings showed:

• More than 40% of those patients who experience breakthrough symptoms reported though symptoms occurred two to three times per week.

• 65% of the surveyed patients reported experiencing breakthrough symptoms at night, and 28% reported sleep disruptions because of their symptoms.

• While 90% of of the surveyed patients who experienced breakthrough symptoms report that they took their prescribed PPI as directed, more than 40% have not spoken to their doctor about the symptoms.

• Approximately 57% of the surveyed patients reported that their doctor has not asked them about their continued use of over-the-counter medications, such as Mylanta, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Tums, in addition to their PPI.

If you are experiencing breakthrough symptoms while taking a prescribed PPI, it is important to talk to your doctor so you can both determine if changes need to be made in your GERD treatment.

Full survey results are available at American Gastroenterological Association's website.

Additional Resources:

• GERD Symptoms
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
• Antacids
• H2 Blockers