FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Heartburn caused by physical activity -- or EAGER (exertion-associated gastroesophageal reflux) -- is derailing many Americans' efforts to live active lifestyles, according to a recent online survey of 1,000 baby boomers. The survey reveals that nearly 40 percent of heartburn sufferers experience heartburn while exercising and that more than two out of every five weekly heartburn sufferers have stopped being physically active as a result of heartburn.
According to the survey, three-quarters (75 percent) of men and women age 35-60 experience heartburn at least occasionally, with 31 percent reporting weekly bouts of heartburn. On average, heartburn sufferers will experience heartburn 15 percent of the time they exercise; those suffering heartburn weekly will experience heartburn 45 percent of the time they exercise. This means that over 16 million Americans have their attempts to be fit interrupted by heartburn.
In addition, heartburn sufferers are exercising significantly less than those without the ailment. Those who do not suffer from heartburn exercise an average of 106 times per year, while sufferers of heartburn exercise an average of only 85 times per year.
"EAGER is a frustrating condition, especially at this time of year when many people take advantage of improved weather conditions across much of the country to start exercise programs and to work off the excess 'baggage' that many people put on during the winter months," said Steven Peikin, MD, professor of medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital and author of Gastrointestinal Health, who has developed the term EAGER as a way to refer to this condition. "Unfortunately, as this survey shows, many of these same people will suffer from EAGER, which in turn discourages them from continuing their exercise or activity program. In a sense, it's really a double-whammy. People try to be more healthy by exercising more, but end up inducing EAGER, which not only causes discomfort but also takes them off the road to better overall health."
About Heartburn and EAGER
Heartburn occurs as a result of inappropriate relaxation of the muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus. This valve normally serves to keep acidic juices in the stomach. Heartburn strikes when acid from the stomach flows up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat, sometimes leaving a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. Certain foods may trigger heartburn such as coffee, spicy/fatty food, red sauce, orange juice (citrus), chocolate, peppermint and alcohol. Heartburn can usually be treated and prevented through lifestyle modifications, as well as with medication.
Heartburn caused by physical activity is a concept that has been a topic of discussion among physicians and heartburn sufferers for years, but that had not been validated through a quantitative study until recently.
"Since exercise and exertion-related activities cause the contents of the stomach -- including acidic digestive juices -- to move around vigorously inside the stomach walls, it makes sense that such activity could encourage the onset of heartburn. The results of this survey further confirm the relationship between exercise, exertion and heartburn," according to Peikin.
Overcoming EAGER
Although EAGER is prevalent among many Americans, there are specific steps they can take to address the condition.
"In addition to steering clear of caffeine and fatty or greasy foods, one of the best ways to avoid EAGER is to wait an hour after eating before you begin to exercise," notes Peikin. "People who routinely experience EAGER should consider supplementing jostling types of exercise with swimming or a stationary bike workouts. Taking an over-the-counter heartburn remedy, like PEPCID® Complete, is also an effective way to eliminate the heartburn caused by EAGER so you can go on with your exercise. PEPCID Complete is a good choice because it is the only available product that combines an antacid with an acid reducer in one tablet."
PEPCID, which sponsored the survey, is encouraging awareness of EAGER as part of its ongoing commitment to help Americans overcome heartburn. "PEPCID realizes the prevalence of EAGER and how frustrating it can be for people who are engaged in exercise to get sidetracked by heartburn," says John Graham, director of marketing and sales, Johnson & Johnson • Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co. "We're glad that PEPCID Complete is one of the tools that sufferers of EAGER can use as they strive to meet their exercise and activity goals in 2005."
About the PEPCID Franchise
The PEPCID franchise has had an important presence in the acid relief category since 1995, and continues to be the choice of millions of consumers. PEPCID provides effective and long-lasting relief, which lasts all day or all night, only when needed. PEPCID AC prevents heartburn when taken before meals, and PEPCID Complete's dual-action formula stops heartburn and acid indigestion after it starts. PEPCID Complete contains a fast-acting antacid and starts neutralizing acid in seconds while the H2 blocker found in PEPCID AC significantly reduces the production of excess acid at the source, to provide fast, long-lasting, all day or all night relief1 with just one dose. PEPCID is made by Johnson & Johnson • Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., a joint venture between two of the nation's largest healthcare companies. The company combines the clinical research and development capabilities of Merck and Co., with the consumer marketing and sales expertise of Johnson & Johnson. The company is based in Fort Washington, Pa.
1. Based on eight-hour symptom relief studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies at night
SOURCE: Johnson & Johnson • Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co.
