Frequent heartburn: Overview

Man suffering with heartburn symptoms

Frequent heartburn

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

Heartburn is more common after meals, especially fatty meals, and at night, since acid that enters the oesophagus is not cleared as effectively during sleep.1

When talking to your patients about their heartburn treatment options, understanding how frequently they suffer is key to making a suitable recommendation.

Even mild heartburn experienced twice or more per week (frequent heartburn) can make the oesophagus sensitive to acid so that it doesn’t take a lot to trigger burning pain.2

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

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

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

Heartburn is a common problem

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).1

Other symptoms include:1

  • A cough or hiccups that keep coming back
  • A hoarse voice
  • Bad breath
  • Bloating and feeling sick

Symptoms may often be worse after eating or when lying down or bending over.1

Patients should be advised to seek further advice if symptoms do not improve after 14 consecutive days of treatment. If any of the following red flag symptoms are present referral to the patient’s GP is recommended:5

  • Chest pains with light-headedness, sweating, dizziness or shoulder pain with shortness of breath
  • Vomiting blood
  • Dark stools
  • Feeling faint
  • Problems swallowing
  • Other problems such as unexplained fever, night sweats, weight loss for no apparent reason or a mass in the upper abdomen

Meet Scott

Image of businessman

Scott

Scott is 38 and has a busy job as a sales representative which means he often travels.

In the last few months he has been suffering with heartburn a couple of times 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.

Find out how Nexium Control could benefit Scott

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.

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Educational resources

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

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Heartburn management

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

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Pack of Nexium Control tablets

Nexium Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets (Esomeprazole)

Up to 24 hour relief and protection from frequent heartburn with just one pill a day.

Learn more & PI

Pack of Nexium Control capsules

Nexium Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Capsules (Esomeprazole)

Up to 24 hour relief and protection from frequent heartburn with just one pill a day.

Easy to swallow mini capsules: 53% smaller than tablets.*

*based on volume of tablets vs. capsules

Learn more & PI

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