Fact 1:
More than 60 million American adults suffer from heartburn at least once a month.
Fact 2:
About 25 million American adults suffer from heartburn on a daily basis.
Fact 3:
For approximately 94 percent of sufferers, specific foods cause their heartburn.
Fact 4:
80 percent of heartburn sufferers experience symptoms at night.
Fact 5:
75 percent of heartburn sufferers say nighttime heartburn awakens them during the night, or prevents them from sleeping.
Fact 6:
40 percent say that their nighttime heartburn symptoms affects their ability to work the next day.
Fact 7:
While lifestyle habits can worsen your heartburn symptoms, and increase the number of heartburn episodes, heartburn is a medical condition with biological causes.
Fact 8:
Heartburn is caused when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is located between the esophagus and stomach, is weakened or opens inappropriately. This allows acid and other stomach contents back into the esophagus, causing irritation.
Fact 9:
Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Fact 10:
Lifestyle changes can often reduce the onset of heartburn. These include dietary changes, modification of certain lifestyle habits, and how we sleep at night.
Fact 11:
Heartburn is more common among the elderly, as well as among pregnant women.
Fact 12:
Walking can help ease heartburn, especially after meals.
——————
Resources
Why Heartburn Happens
When You Should Call the Doctor
Symptoms of Heartburn and the Disorders That Cause Heartburn
Digestive Disorders Screening Quizzes
Lifestyle Changes for Heartburn Prevention
Preventing the Occasional Heartburn
——————
Sources:
Heartburn Facts
American Gastroenterological Association
