Heartburn: Community perceptions

Background and Aims: To determine the prevalence of heartburn in the Austra lian community, and document factors precipitating it and medications used in treatment. Methods: Telephone interviews with 1200 individuals aged 18 years or more w ere conducted one weekend in 1996. Each respondent was asked four questions about heartburn, its severity, factors causing it and current therapy. Results: Fifty-six per cent of respondents reported that they had suffered from heartburn at some time in the past and 37% had symptoms at least once every 4-6 months. The frequency of heartburn increased with age and was mor e common in men (40.7%) than women (32.6%). There was no difference in freq uency between city and rural dwellers, or between white- and blue-collar wo rkers. Almost half the individuals experienced mild pain or discomfort, one -third had moderate discomfort and 15% reported severe pain or discomfort. Women were more likely to report greater problems than men. Aggravating fac tors included spicy foods, greasy/rich foods, stress, alcohol, overeating, pregnancy, smoking, food allergy and coffee. More than half the respondents relied on antacids to control symptoms, 20% used prescription medications and a similar number did not use any medication. Conclusion: Heartburn is common in the Australian community and sufferers a ttribute symptoms to various lifestyle events, including diet and stress. A ntacid usage is the commonest mode of therapy. (C) 2000 Blackwell Science A sia Pty Ltd.