(Washington, D.C., Wednesday, December 9, 2020) – The holidays will look a little different this year. While we navigate how to celebrate safely with family and friends, one thing that will remain unchanged is the starring role that food will play as part of our holiday festivities. But overindulging in traditional holiday foods and alcohol can be a recipe for heartburn.

More than one in four adults experience heartburn symptoms at least once a week, and during the holiday season, that number is sure to increase. Sometimes called acid reflux, heartburn is an uncomfortable or painful burning feeling in your chest or throat that may begin after a meal, then continue 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.

Dr. Susan Nguyen, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, has tips for adults searching for ways to manage their heartburn symptoms during the holiday season.

SOUNDBITE #1:

WE’RE ALL GUILTY OF INDULGING IN HEARTBURN TRIGGERS LIKE SWEETS AND ALCOHOL DURING THE HOLIDAYS, BUT EATING OR DRINKING TOO MUCH MAY LEAVE YOU WITH AN UNCOMFORTABLE OR PAINFUL BURNING FEELING IN YOUR CHEST OR THROAT. BEING MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK CAN HELP AVOID HEARTBURN. THERE ARE ALSO SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS TO HELP TREAT HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS.

SOUNDBITE #2:

IF YOU SUFFER FROM FREQUENT HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS, WHICH OCCUR TWO OR MORE DAYS PER WEEK, 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 INDICATED TO HELP TREAT FREQUENT HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, MAKE SURE TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OR PHARMACIST.

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