It's hard to know how many people have GERD because so many people treat their symptoms at home without ever seeing a doctor. But heartburn is very common.1
- About 4 out of 10 adults in the United States have heartburn at least once a month. About 2 out of 10 adults in the United States have heartburn at least once a week.1 Most of these people treat themselves and do not have complications.
- Less than 1 out of 10 adults have heartburn and/or reflux on most days.2
- Up to 80% of pregnant women have heartburn nearly every day.1 This heartburn usually goes away after the baby is born.
References
Citations
Richter JE (2006). Gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed., vol. 1, pp. 905–936. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
Moayyedi P, et al. (2006). Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, search date July 2005. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | March 31, 2008 |
Author:Monica Rhodes
Last Updated: 03/31/2008
