Coping with GERD Survey Results

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Coping with GERD/ Survey Results MedicineNet Health Research Survey Report Coping with GERD Survey Results

2 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 2 Table of Contents Table of Contents... 2 Health Research Survey Reports... 4 Executive Summary... 5 Methodology... 6 THE SURVEY POPULATION... 6 Findings... 8 SYMPTOMS SUFFERED... 8 TREATMENT OPTIONS MEDICATIONS PATIENT COMPLIANCE PATIENT SATISFACTION Conclusions MedicineNet.com Additional Resources... 15

3 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 3 Notice To Readers This Health Report is intended to provide helpful information. The Health Report is not a substitute for professional medical advice, care, diagnosis or treatment, and is not designed to promote or endorse any medical practice, program or agenda or any medical tests, products, treatment or procedures. The Health Report may not be completely accurate and does not contain information about all diseases, nor does it contain all information that may be relevant to a particular medical or health condition. MedicineNet shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any sort incurred as the result of the presence of, any dealings with, or any participation in promotions of advertisers found in the Health Report. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, you should contact your professional healthcare provider. You should not under any circumstances disregard any professional medical advice or delay in seeking such advice in reliance on any information provided in the Health Report. Your reliance on any information contained in the Health Report is solely at your own risk. Information provided in the Health Report, including information regarding dietary supplements, has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other government agency. You should consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of dietary supplementation or treatment. THIS HEALTH REPORT IS BEING PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON- INFRINGEMENT. MedicineNet is a registered service mark of MedicineNet. Other brands, company names, product names and logos in the Health Report are also trademarks, service marks, or trade names of MedicineNet, its partners or licensors. The use of any MedicineNet (or any MedicineNet partner or licensor) trademark, trade name, or service mark without MedicineNet's (or the appropriate owner's) express written consent is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2005, by MedicineNet.com All rights reserved. No part of this Health Report may be reproduced, modified, publicly displayed, transmitted in any form or by any means or used for any commercial purpose, without the written permission of MedicineNet. If you would like to request such permission or otherwise contact us regarding this Health Report, please send your request/comments to: MedicineNet.com Attention: Customer Service 903 Calle Amanecer, Suite 300 San Clemente, California Fax: (949) smartservice@medicinenet.com

4 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 4 Health Research Survey Reports MedicineNet produces original medical market research reports on consumer opinions to help explore important health and medical topics. Survey data is collected by polling our readers visiting MedicineNet.com. You may use information in this report as long as you provide proper attribution and, if on the Internet, a link back to MedicineNet.com. Example: Source: MedicineNet.com ( For a complete list of MedicineNet Health Research Survey Reports, visit: MedicineNet.com is an online healthcare publishing company, creating proprietary consumer information that is produced by a network of U.S. board-certified physicians. Since 1996, it has been the trusted source for easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information via its robust, user-friendly, interactive Web site at The Doctors of MedicineNet are also proud to author the Webster's New World Medical Dictionary now in its second edition, published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. For more health and medical information please visit:

5 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 5 Executive Summary Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is estimated to affect daily approximately 5% to 7% of the global population men, women, and children. Almost 1 in 5 individuals suffers heartburn and/or acid regurgitation weekly. GERD is so prevalent that it is frequently self-diagnosed and treated with a variety of over-the-counter medications. It is quite treatable, but it is not uncommon for patients to wait years to seek medical attention. GERD is a chronic disease so treatment must typically be maintained on a long-term basis. The recommended treatments for GERD require that patients alter their lifestyle by changing the timing of their meals, losing weight, eating less spicy meals, as well as taking medications. As with most chronic conditions, the patient must remain vigilant even after the initial symptoms have been brought under control. As with any long term condition, patients often discontinue or fail to follow the long term treatment program recommended by the physician. When the initial symptoms abate, the patient s interest wanes. Patient compliance and treatment failure are often linked. This MedicineNet.com survey, delivered anonymously, probes consumer activities and attitudes about GERD and its treatment in the following area:. What types of information are health consumers seeking? What GERD symptoms and how frequently do patients suffer them? What treatment options and medications have GERD patients tried? What medications are the GERD patients using? What is the level of patient compliance with the treatment plan? How satisfied are patients with their current treatment? This survey was conducted between March 30, 2005 and April 8, The data reflects the opinions of a self-identified panel of 863 individuals visiting MedicineNet.com who indicated a personal interest in GERD. Section: Executive Summary, GERD Health Report

6 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 6 Methodology MedicineNet.com used a seven-question pop-up online survey to query 863 individuals responding to the question: Do you or someone you care about suffer from GERD? There were 602 respondents, 73.7% of the total survey population, who indicated that they personally have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The results reported in this study focus on the segment of the survey population who indicated that they suffered from GERD. All were visitors to the GERD content of the MedicineNet.com site. Responses were completely anonymous, and no visitor received the survey more than once, so the aggregated results represent unique individual respondents. THE SURVEY POPULATION Survey respondents (863 individuals) included those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), their family members and those who are interested in learning more about GERD. A portion of the sample did not answer this question. Among survey respondents 70% indicated that they suffer from GERD. Family members of GERD sufferers represented 16% of the surveyed population. Respondents interested in GERD were 9% of the surveyed population. 5% of the survey population did not indicate why they are interested in GERD but completed the survey (See Figure 1: Survey Respondents and GERD). Figure 1: Survey Respondents and GERD n=863 9% 5% 16% 70% GERD Patient - 70% Family Member with GERD - 16% Interested in GERD - 9% Did Not Answer - 5% Section: Survey Methodology, GERD Health Report

7 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 7 The subset of survey population whose members indicated that they suffer from GERD was asked to identify what type of information about GERD is of interest to them. The choices included general information, information about how GERD is diagnosed, available treatment options, or information on specific medications. The 602 respondents with GERD were most interested in getting more information on GERD (39%) and information on how GERD is diagnosed (22%). 18% were interested in treatment options, and 10% wanted general information on the medications used to treat GERD. A portion (11%) did not specify their interests (See Figure 2: Information Sought Online by GERD Sufferers). Figure 2: Information Sought Online by GERD Sufferers n=602 11% 10% 39% 18% 22% General Information - 39% GERD Diagnosis - 22% GERD Treatment Options - 18% No Specific Interest Given - 11% GERD Medications - 10% Section: Survey Methodology, GERD Health Report

8 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 8 Findings The survey investigated six areas: the types and severity of symptoms suffered, use of lifestyle change for treatment, use of medication and surgery for treatment, medications used for treatment, patient compliance and patient satisfaction with treatment results. SYMPTOMS SUFFERED Survey respondents were asked to indicate the GERD symptoms that they suffered and their frequency. The symptoms included: heartburn, regurgitation (food or fluid), lung problems (asthma, pneumonia), difficult and/or painful swallowing and unexplained cough, hoarseness or sore throat. Survey respondents could indicate that they had multiple symptoms. As Figure 3: Incidence of Symptoms among Patients shows, 87% of GERD sufferers reported having heartburn, 72% reported regurgitation, 67% had hoarseness or a cough, 47% have had difficulty or pain in swallowing and 33% reported lung problems. Figure 3: Incidence of Symptoms among Patients n=593 87% 72% 67% 47% 33% Heartburn Regurgitation Hoarseness/Cough Painful Swallowing Lung Problems To judge the severity, survey respondents were asked to indicate whether they suffered these symptoms always, often, sometimes or never. Most survey respondents indicated that they suffered from multiple symptoms, but heartburn was reported as both the most common symptom and the one suffered most frequently (See Figure 4: Severity of Symptoms). A smaller set of the population suffered from lung problems and painful swallowing. Section: Findings, GERD Health Report

9 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 9 Figure 4: Severity of Symptoms n=593 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Heartburn Regurgitation Lung Problems Painful Swallowing Hoarseness/ Cough Always 22% 14% 17% 15% 18% Often 45% 32% 22% 30% 37% Sometimes 33% 54% 61% 55% 44% Section: Findings, GERD Health Report

10 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 10 TREATMENT OPTIONS There are several options for the treatment of GERD. They include changes in lifestyle as well as medication and surgery. Survey respondents were asked to indicate the treatment options that they have used. The choices included five lifestyle modifications, medication and surgery (anti-reflux surgery and endoscopic procedure). The lifestyle modifications included: changing time or size of meals, maintaining an upright posture after eating, sleeping with the head of the bed elevated, avoiding spicy or acid food, and losing weight. As Figure 5: Treatment Options Used shows, the majority of patients treat their GERD with medication. The most frequently used lifestyle modification is changing to a less spicy diet; whereas, losing weight and surgery as least often used. It is relatively simple to avoid eating spicy foods or to remain upright after eating, but it takes far more effort to reconfigure sleeping arrangements to elevate the head of the bed or lose weight. The survey shows that GERD sufferers seek the immediate relief of medication as opposed to relying on lifestyle change. Figure 5: Treatment Options Used n=589 Medication 69% Diet 47% Posture 43% Mealtime 41% Sleep 36% Weight 17% Surgery 15% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Section: Findings, GERD Health Report

11 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 11 MEDICATIONS There are a number of medications used for the treatment of GERD. The options presented to survey respondents included over the counter antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Di-Gel), proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Pervacid, Aciphex, Nexium, Protonix), H2 antagonists (Tagamet, Zantac, Axid, Pepcid), and a choice for other prescription medications as well as no medication. Of the survey population 590 GERD sufferers provided information on the medications taken. As Figure 6: Medications Used for Treating GERD indicates, the proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium) are used most frequently (40%). Only antacids (26%) trail proton pump inhibitors. Figure 6: Medications Used for Treating GERD n=590 10% 9% 40% 15% 26% Proton Pump Inhibitors - 40% Antacids - 26% H2 Antagonists - 15% No Meds - 10% Other Meds - 9% Section: Findings, GERD Health Report

12 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 12 PATIENT COMPLIANCE Because GERD is a chronic disease, treatment must be maintained over an extended period of time. It is not uncommon for patients to stop making lifestyle adjustments or taking medications when their symptoms abate. To determine patient compliance, survey respondents were asked to indicate whether they take their medication: regularly, as recommended by their physician; fairly regularly, but sometimes forget; only when needed, or do not take medication. The survey showed that most patients (55%) comply with their physicians treatment plans, taking their medication on a regular basis (See Figure 7: Patient Compliance). Figure 7: Patient Compliance n=587 17% 6% 55% 21% Regularly - 55% As Needed - 22% No Meds - 17% Sometimes Forget - 6% Section: Findings, GERD Health Report

13 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 13 PATIENT SATISFACTION The survey also plumbed how satisfied participants were with their current GERD treatment. Participants were asked to indicate whether they were: very satisfied (treatment completely removes symptoms), somewhat satisfied (treatment provides adequate relief from symptoms), neutral (neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with treatment), somewhat dissatisfied (treatment does not provide adequate relief from symptoms), very dissatisfied (treatment provides practically no relief from symptoms), and none of the above (not currently being treated for GERD). As Figure 8: Patient Satisfaction with GERD Treatment shows survey participants were almost equally satisfied (32% with 9% very and 23% somewhat) or dissatisfied (32% with 11% very dissatisfied and 21% somewhat dissatisfied) with their treatment. What stands out, however, is that most survey participants were only adequately relieved of their symptoms. Only 9% were found complete relief of the painful and annoying symptoms of GERD. Figure 8: Patient Satisfaction with GERD Treatment n=588 11% 9% 23% 17% 19% 21% Somewhat Satisfied - 23% Somewhat Dissatisfied - 21% None - 19% Neutral - 17% Very Dissatisfied - 11% Very Satisfied - 9% Section: Findings, GERD Health Report

14 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 14 Conclusions The following conclusions can be drawn from this survey: Those who suffer from GERD continue to seek information on their condition. 39% of survey participants were looking for general information, as opposed to information on diagnosis, treatment or medications. Most individuals with GERD have multiple frequent unpleasant symptoms. Most 87% have heartburn, 72% regurgitation of fluid or food, 67% have painful or difficult swallowing, 33% have lung problems. Heartburn was the most consistent and persistent symptom. Not only did 87% suffer bouts of heartburn, but 67% indicated that they have heartburn always or frequently. Of survey participants, 55% of those reporting hoarseness suffer always or often and 46% of those with regurgitation report always or often bouts. 69% of participants used medication to treat their GERD, and 47% changed their diet to avoid spicy or acid foods. These represent the relatively easy to implement changes. 40% of survey participants indicated that they used proton pump inhibitor medications and 26% relied on antacids. Both of these medications provide prompt relief of the symptoms of GERD. Most survey participants (55%) follow their prescribed treatment plan. However, in spite of following their treatment plan, using multiple treatments both lifestyle and medical, only 9% of survey participants indicated that they received better than adequate relief from their painful and annoying symptoms of GERD. This survey shows that although there are many medical and lifestyle treatments available to treat the varied symptoms of GERD, sufferers can expect to continue to experience GERD symptoms even with treatment. Section: Conclusions, GERD Health Report

15 Coping with GERD / Survey Results Page 15 MedicineNet.com Additional Resources Below are links to additional information available on MedicineNet.com. The doctor-produced articles on MedicineNet are: Reliable and objective -- each article is written, edited, and reviewed by more than one U.S. Board Certified doctor. User-friendly -- articles are written by doctors in easy-to-understand language. Comprehensive -- doctors not only present scientific knowledge, they also explain how they make treatment and diagnostic decisions. Relevant -- doctors select articles and news items that are clinically relevant. MedicineNet.com s GERD Overview MedicineNet.com s GERD Main Article MedicineNet Home Page Diseases and Conditions Symptoms and Signs Procedures and Tests Medications (non-prescription and prescription drugs) MedTerms Online Medical Dictionary Please pass this Health Report along to your friends and family. For other survey reports, please visit: Section: MedicineNet.com Additional Resources

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