(Washington, D.C., Wednesday, August 24, 2022) – During the summertime months, we all want to make the most of the long-awaited vacations, cookouts and picnics in the park, and other fun with family and friends that are hallmarks of the season. Untreated frequent heartburn can put a damper on your summertime celebrations by disrupting your sleep, your work, and your social life. Indulging in certain foods and drinks – like spicy barbeque or a cold beer – may lead to a familiar burning sensation in your chest or throat.

More than one in four adults experience heartburn at least once a week. Also known as acid reflux, heartburn is an uncomfortable or painful burning feeling in your chest or throat that often begins after a meal and lasts anywhere from a few minutes to many hours. If you suffer from heartburn symptoms two or more days a week, you are one of millions of Americans struggling with “frequent heartburn.”

Dr. Leiana Oswald, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Roseman University of Health Sciences, has tips for those searching for ways to manage their frequent heartburn symptoms this summer.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IF YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER FOODS TRIGGER HEARTBURN, IT CAN TURN A FUN DAY WITH THE FAMILY INTO A PAINFUL EVENING. WHEN LEFT UNTREATED, FREQUENT HEARTBURN CAN DISRUPT YOUR SLEEP, YOUR WORK, AND YOUR SOCIAL LIFE. BEING MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK CAN HELP YOU AVOID HEARTBURN. THERE ARE ALSO SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OVER-THE-COUNTER AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO HELP TREAT YOUR SYMPTOMS.

SOUNDBITE #2:

DON’T IGNORE YOUR FREQUENT HEARTBURN. OVER-THE-COUNTER PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS, OR O-T-C P-P-I-S, PROVIDE A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OPTION WHEN TAKEN ACCORDING TO THE LABEL—AND THEY ARE THE ONLY NONPRESCRIPTION MEDICINES SPECIFICALLY RECOMMENDED TO HELP TREAT FREQUENT HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, MAKE SURE TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR A PHARMACIST.

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