Over half of Irish adults suffer with symptoms of heartburn and the majority of these say the condition has a negative impact on their lives, a new survey has found.

According to the findings, 51% of adults in Ireland suffer with heartburn symptoms and 78% of these feel that the condition has a negative impact on them.

Among sufferers, 49% said that the condition disturbs their sleep, 39% have to limit their choice of foods and 29% feel physical pain as a result.

Heartburn occurs when gastric acid passes from the stomach back up into the oesophagus (gullet) because the lower oesophageal sphincter has not closed tightly enough.

One of the main irritants in gastric acid is hydrochloric acid. The stomach has a special lining that prevents this strong acid from damaging it, but the gullet has no such lining. Therefore when the gastric acid flows back into the oesophagus, the lining of it becomes inflamed due to the burning effect of the hydrochloric acid.

Typical symptoms of heartburn include a burning feeling behind the breastbone and an acidic taste in the mouth.

The survey noted that one in four sufferers feel that the condition disturbs their day, while one in 10 feel it negatively impacts on their social lives or relationships.

"Heartburn is a relatively common condition that is not always a cause for concern. However, frequent heartburn is something that can have a serious impact on day-to-day life and should be dealt with in an effective manner. If you are suffering from heartburn more than once a week, my recommendation is to discuss your symptoms with your local pharmacist to ensure you are benefitting from the appropriate treatment," commented GP, Dr Ciara Kelly.

Treatments available from pharmacies include antacids, which work to neutralise existing acid, and proton pump inhibitors, which reduce the production of acid in the stomach.

Dr Kelly pointed out that heartburn can worsen if it is not treated. She also noted that while there are a number of ‘trigger foods' that can make the condition worse, dietary choices are not always to blame.

"Heartburn is something that can affect our lifestyles, cause embarrassment, limit the foods we can enjoy and even affect our relationships or social life. In addition, over time, the backflow of acid can cause damage to the lining of the oesophagus and can cause serious medical conditions. For this reason, during Heartburn Awareness Week we are encouraging people to consider their symptoms and to seek more information from their pharmacist," she added.

In addition to speaking to their pharmacist, people with heartburn are advised to consider the following tips:
-Keep a food diary and pay attention to your body and what appears to cause your heartburn to flare up
-Do not eat late at night. Having a full stomach before you lie down for bed will increase acid backflow and put pressure on the digestive symptom
-Avoid spicy foods, particularly chillies
-Add acid neutralising foods to your diet, such as bananas, porridge and almond milk
-Do not drink alcohol to excess
-Reduce tea and coffee intake, particularly before bedtime.

The survey of 1,001 people aged 18 and older was carried out last month. Heartburn Awareness Week runs until October 28.