DISCUSS survey findings highlight need to prioritize GERD dialogue

American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)Mar 24 2011

According to findings from the new nationwide DISCUSS (Defining and Identifying GapS in CommUnication between GERD and/or Heartburn Sufferers and PhysicianS) Survey, many people surveyed report that their gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or persistent heartburn symptoms significantly disrupt their lives. Additionally, more than half say that currently they "occasionally" (39 percent) or "never" (19 percent) discuss GERD and/or heartburn symptoms with a health care provider (HCP). The survey was released today by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) in partnership with Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. (Takeda).

The DISCUSS Survey, fielded by Braun Research, Inc., surveyed 1,004 American adults who identified themselves as having GERD, also known as acid reflux disease, and/or frequent and persistent heartburn and who said they experience GERD and/or heartburn symptoms two or more times per week when not treating the condition ("sufferers"). Approximately three out of four sufferers (77 percent) describe their GERD and/or heartburn symptoms as moderate to severe, and one-third (33 percent) have had to cancel social activities or leave a social event early because of their symptoms. Also, GERD and/or heartburn symptoms have caused 31 percent of respondents to limit their physical activity, with approximately two-thirds (205/309) of those who report limits on physical activity being women. Currently, nearly one in five sufferers never discusses symptoms with an HCP. These findings highlight the importance of active, ongoing conversations about the symptoms and triggers of GERD and/or heartburn between sufferers and HCPs and suggest that resources to help open and improve the lines of communications should be made available.

GERD is a chronic condition that affects nearly 19 million Americans and is often characterized by persistent heartburn that occurs two or more days a week despite treatment and diet changes. Additional symptoms can include regurgitation (a sensation of food coming back into the mouth, accompanied by an acidic or bitter taste), sore throat, hoarseness, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. GERD affects both men and women and may be associated with serious complications over time.

"Recognizing and understanding the intensity and frequency of GERD symptoms is a key element in being able to diagnose and determine appropriate management and treatment strategies," says Prateek Sharma, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Mo. "Some of these findings suggest that many patients trivialize their symptoms and thus don't talk to their health care provider about the impact GERD is having on their lives. I encourage my patients to be open and descriptive about what they're experiencing. Then, together we can work to determine a plan of action to address their specific needs."

Findings Highlight Need to Make GERD and/or Heartburn Dialogue a Priority
•One-third (34 percent) of sufferers report waiting 12 months or more after first experiencing symptoms to visit their HCP.
•Forty percent of respondents have not discussed symptoms with their HCP in the past 12 months.
•Approximately one in five sufferers (22 percent,>•Seventy-four percent>•One in five reports>•Most sufferers report that food triggers their symptoms, specifically eating spicy foods (74 percent), foods containing tomatoes (73 percent), or fried or fatty foods (69 percent). In addition, sufferers report that eating a large meal (70 percent) or eating too close to bedtime (70 percent) triggers their symptoms.
•Many sufferers are interested in tools to help better communicate with their HCP about their GERD and/or heartburn, such as a symptom checklist to be filled out prior to their appointment (52 percent) and/or a list of questions to ask their HCP (50 percent).