(Washington, D.C., Thursday, June 27, 2019) – More than one in four adults experiences heartburn at least once a week. Sometimes called acid reflux, heartburn is an uncomfortable or painful burning feeling in your chest or throat that may begin after a meal, then continues a few minutes to many hours. If you suffer from heartburn symptoms two or more days a week, you have what’s called “frequent heartburn,” and you’re not alone: millions of Americans suffer from frequent heartburn. While many people look forward to the rituals of summer—vacations, 4th of July barbeques, and outdoor activities with family—research shows that summertime is the worst season for frequent heartburn sufferers.

Anita Brikman, executive director of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Educational Foundation, has tips for adults dealing with frequent heartburn.

SOUNDBITE #1:

NEARLY HALF OF THE PEOPLE WITH FREQUENT HEARTBURN SAY THAT THEIR SYMPTOMS ARE WORSE IN THE SUMMER. WHY? IT CAN BE DUE TO SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SUMMERTIME INDULGENCES: SODA, ALCOHOL, SPICY AND CITRUSY FOODS ARE ALL COMMON HEARTBURN TRIGGERS. YOU CAN BEGIN TO MANAGE SYMPTOMS LIKE THIS BY MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT AND DIET AND NOT SMOKING, BUT THERE ARE ALSO SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES AND PRESCRIPTION OPTIONS.

SOUNDBITE #2:

DIFFERENT HEARTBURN TREATMENTS WORK DIFFERENTLY. IF YOU SUFFER FROM FREQUENT HEARTBURN, WHICH MEANS YOU EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS TWO OR MORE DAYS PER WEEK, OVER-THE-COUNTER PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS, OR OTC P-P-I-S, ARE A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OPTION—AND THE ONLY NONPRESCRIPTION MEDICINES INDICATED TO HELP TREAT FREQUENT HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS. OTHER TREATMENTS INCLUDE ANTACIDS OR H2 BLOCKERS FOR OCCASIONAL HEARTBURN, AND PRESCRIPTION-STRENGTH P-P-I-S FOR CHRONIC HEARTBURN. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, MAKE SURE TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

For more information about heartburn and digestive health, visit KnowYourOTCs.org.