What Do You Really Know About Heartburn?
Heartburn can affect just about anyone -- old or young (or in between). An occasional bout of heartburn is nothing to worry about. Chronic heartburn, however, can be a sign of a more serious condition. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of heartburn.
1. What percentage of Americans experience heartburn?
a. 10%
b. 15%
c. 20%
d. 25%
2. What causes the pain?
a. an ulcer
b. excess stomach acid
c. excess bile
d. esophageal spasm
3. Heartburn occurs when a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus doesn't close the stomach properly. What can cause this malfunction?
a. medications
b. aging
c. smoking
d. all of the above
4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a severe, chronic form of heartburn. Which symptoms mean you should see a doctor?
a. difficulty swallowing
b. hoarse voice
c. constant cough
d. all of the above
5. Prolonged, severe inflammation of the esophagus caused by acid reflux greatly increases your risk of which of these?
a. bad breath
b. oral cancer
c. esophageal cancer
d. stomach cancer
6. Which of these conditions increase the risk of heartburn?
a. asthma
b. diabetes
c. irritable bowel syndrome
d. a and b
7. Which common baking product can be used to treat mild heartburn?
a. baking soda
b. baking powder
c. salt
d. sugar
8. Antacids should never be given to a certain age group to treat a sour stomach. Which age group?
a. elderly
b. teens
c. children under age 6
d. none of the above
9. Which of these beverages should you avoid to reduce heartburn?
a. wine
b. coffee
c. milk
d. a and b
10. See your doctor if your heartburn doesn't improve during a certain period of time. How long should you wait?
a. 1 week
b. 10 days
c. 2 weeks
d. 1 month
The answers
1. a, 10%. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, 10 percent of Americans experience symptoms of heartburn at least once a week.
2. b, excess stomach acid. It re-enters the esophagus, causing pain. When acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus frequently, a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can occur.
3. d, all of the above.
4. d, all of the above. These symptoms indicate a chronic condition that needs treatment.
5. c, esophageal cancer. Chronic inflammation caused by acid results in abnormal changes in the cells lining the esophagus.
6. d, a and b. Obesity, hiatal hernia and pregnancy also can cause heartburn.
7. a, baking soda. It neutralizes stomach acid.
8. c, children under age 6. Antacids can aggravate certain conditions that may cause pain, so never give such medications to children unless they have been prescribed by your pediatrician.
9. d, a and b. These beverages stimulate acid production. Foods such as chocolate and spicy foods also can aggravate the condition.
10. c, 2 weeks. More severe conditions, such as peptic ulcer and heart disease, may mimic digestive disorders, so check with your doctor if pain persists.