Some 40% of GERD patients taking PPIs see symptoms recur

Despite daily use of doctor-recommended proton pump inhibitors to control gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, nearly 40% of patients who take them continue to experience breakthrough, which is a return of GERD symptoms, such as acid regurgitation and heartburn. These breakthrough symptoms lead more than half of GERD sufferers to use over-the-counter remedies, according to a survey recently conducted by the American Gastroenterological Association Institute.

The study of 1,064 people with GERD found that around 56% of those who experienced breakthrough used an OTC treatment - the majority choosing an antacid - to manage their condition. Furthermore, taking an OTC in addition to a PPI has become routine for these respondents. In fact, more than 70% have been using OTC medications for at least one year.

"The survey results show that people with GERD are not only using their prescribed PPI, but also are turning to over-the-counter remedies as a stop-gap when they have breakthrough symptoms," said John Inadomi, associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.