Heartburn Requiring Frequent Antacid Use May Indicate Significant Illness

Abstract

Chronic heartburn can reflect a wide range of diagnostic findings, including important underlying pathological features, and may warrant a full medical examination to detect such abnormal conditions and to permit selection of appropriate therapy.

Five-year Follow-up Study of Patients with Reflux Symptoms and Reflux Esophagitis in Annual Medical Check-up Field

“…The majority of patients with reflux symptoms have been reported not to have endoscopically proven erosive esophagitis, even though their symptoms are severe not only in western countries but also in Japan (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12). We have recently clarified that 18% of Japanese subjects who attend hospital for annual health check-ups have reflux symptoms or endoscopically proven reflux esophagitis, and that over 80% of patients with reflux symptoms do not have erosive esophagitis (13).…”

Systematic review: frequency and reasons for consultation for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia

“…Many people cope with severe disease without consulting a physician, as is demonstrated by the fact that up to half of individuals with GERD who self-medicate are found to have oesophagitis when they undergo endoscopy. 54,55 This finding suggests that it is not always appropriate for doctors to provide simple reassurance in the first instance.…”

Knowledge and Usage Patterns of Folic Acid amongst Physician Assistant Students at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

“…Results from a study that included 155 subjects with heartburn for an average of 11 years, with at least 3 months of frequent heartburn relieved by antacids, and with heartburn on at least 4 of 7 days during the week prior to study entry indicated that longterm antacid use may mask significant health issues. [25]. Endoscopy revealed hiatal hernia in 57% of subjects, erosive esophagitis in 47% of subjects, and nondyplastic Barrett's esophagus in 6% of subjects.…”