Frequent Heartburn Causes More Than Just Pain: Study Shows Condition Can Affect Sleep, Work and Even Your Sex Life

Frequent Heartburn Causes More Than Just Pain: Study Shows Condition Can
Affect Sleep, Work and Even Your Sex Life

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- While most adults have likely
experienced the uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn at least once, for the 50
million American adults who suffer from frequent heartburn(1) two or more days
per week, the condition is not only painful, it can also impact their quality
of life.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091112/NY09084 )

According to The Experience of Frequent Heartburn in America, 2009(2), a study
of 1,075 frequent heartburn sufferers conducted by Center for Health Outcomes
Research & Evidence Based Medicine, LLC and United BioSource Corporation,
frequent heartburn can significantly impact sufferers' lives by affecting
their ability to get a good night's sleep, be productive at work, have
positive personal relationships and enjoy social activities.

Dr. Brian Fennerty, a Professor of Medicine in the Division of
Gastroenterology at Oregon Health and Science University and nationally known
lifestyle expert Kelley L. Moore are Prevacid®24HR Heartburn Coaches who have
seen these effects of frequent heartburn first-hand.

"Until now, frequent heartburn has been largely misunderstood in America.
This study confirms how frequent heartburn affects my patients' daily lives.
It's not only painful, it can also interrupt work, social activities and a
full night's sleep," said Dr. Fennerty.

The study, which examined the experience of frequent heartburn sufferers, also
found that the more severe frequent heartburn is, the greater the impact it
can have on people's quality of life. For instance, among a subset of study
respondents with moderate to severe frequent heartburn pain:
-- 54% reported that their heartburn affected their sex life
-- 44% experienced some family relationship problems resulting from their
heartburn

-- 67% reported that their heartburn pain has kept them from doing the
kinds of things their peers do

As a Heartburn Coach, Kelley Moore combines her years of experience as a
social worker with her passion for helping people see the full picture of
their life. "Frequent heartburn sufferers should embrace their moment of
decision -- the moment they decide to tackle frequent heartburn head-on," she
says. Once a sufferer has decided to do something about her frequent
heartburn, Moore suggests that she initiate a get-together. "Invite friends
over to reestablish those social moments and connections that may have been
lost due to heartburn."

Avoiding certain foods, eating smaller meals and quitting smoking can help
frequent heartburn sufferers, but they often also need to seek treatment for
their symptoms. "There are effective over-the-counter treatments like new
Prevacid®24HR, which is clinically proven to treat frequent heartburn for a
full 24 hours. Over-the-counter treatments are convenient, affordable options
for the millions of frequent heartburn sufferers, and can empower them to
treat their symptoms," added Dr. Fennerty.

Both Moore and Dr. Fennerty offer additional self-care tips and tools for
frequent heartburn sufferers through the Heartburn ACTION plan, at
www.HeartburnActionPlan.com. This 14-day program aims to educate frequent
heartburn sufferers on how to treat the condition and provides tips that may
help make it easier for them to enjoy a more full life. The plan is sponsored
by Prevacid®24HR, which prevents acid production that causes frequent
heartburn pain for a full 24 hours with one pill a day.

(1) National Heartburn Alliance:
http://www.heartburnalliance.org/heartburn_assessment.php
(2) "The Experience of Frequent Heartburn in America, 2009" Research conducted
by the Center for Health Outcomes Research & Evidence Based Medicine, LLC and
United BioSource Corporation

CONTACT:
Ashley Engler
212-583-2746
englera@ruderfinn.com

SOURCE Novartis

Ashley Engler, +1-212-583-2746, englera@ruderfinn.com