Mind & Body

For many, heartburn is an annoying inconvenience suffered from time to time, but for others the symptoms can be so painful and distressing, it can feel like something more serious.

In fact, research commissioned by Zantac 75 Relief reveals that nearly 1 in 2 (41%) heartburn sufferers claim to have experienced symptoms so painful they’ve been concerned they may actually be suffering from a heart attack.

The research also revealed that these severe symptoms are often experienced in women more commonly than men.

Modern lifestyle to blame

Many, especially women (41%), believe stress and anxiety are most likely to cause a heartburn attack. Meanwhile, men believe an unhealthy diet is most likely to blame, with 1 in 3 (33%) citing bad eating habits as the root cause of their heartburn compared to 1 in 4 (26%) women. Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) people blame the cause on a busy lifestyle and not having enough time to relax and eat properly.

The fact that modern lifestyles are often the trigger for an attack makes many sufferers feel embarrassed about their condition – with 1 in 6 (15%) admitting their heartburn makes them feel guilty, as ‘they only have themselves to blame.’

Sufferers don’t know how to treat it.

However, despite the fact that up to 1 in 5 adults will suffer from heartburn it was revealed that many sufferers are prepared to put up with the discomfort. 1 in 10 say heartburn is inevitable and 1 in 6 (14%) are resigned to the fact that they just have to get on with it.

The research also highlighted that many sufferers are in the dark when it comes to treating the condition effectively - with almost 1 in 5 (19%) taking remedies that rarely work for them.

What the experts say

Gastroenterologist Dr John de Caestecker from University Hospitals of Leicester gives the following treatment advice;

‘The impact of heartburn should not be underestimated. For some, it can be an extremely painful condition, leaving sufferers feeling down and helpless. Effective relief is dependent on choosing the remedy best suited to the severity of the individual’s symptoms.

Antacids and alginates often come in chewy tablet and liquid formats and best treat mild and infrequent heartburn.

Regular sufferers should opt for an H2 antagonist remedy. This type of remedy works by helping to suppress the production of stomach acid for several hours and it therefore can provide longer lasting relief.”

Zantac provides long lasting relief

Zantac 75 Relief contains ranitidine, an H2 antagonist, for the relief of heartburn and indigestion associated with the consumption of food and drink. Just one tiny Zantac 75 Relief tablet provides long lasting relief for up to 12 hours for all day, or all night relief.

For more information:

www.zantac.co.uk/

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gastroesophageal-reflux-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx