Is my heartburn worth checking?

If your heartburn lasts for more than six months, or if you continue to have symptoms despite continuous use of medication, you should get it checked by a medical professional.

However, there are a range of symptoms, red flags and risk factors that can affect the treatment options available. This means it is a good idea to have a clear picture of your symptoms...

Create your report

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Free Symptom Report & follow up

To help you get faster, more accurate care and access to treatment, we have created a free symptom report for you to share with your chosen healthcare provider.

Complete the form below with your symptoms and risk factors to receive your personalised report via email. Our team will also contact you to offer support.

You can give the report to your chosen healthcare provider to help get more accurate care, or be in put in touch directly with private providers.

Graphic saying "Create your report" and "Understand your symptoms@

What are the risks associated with persistent heartburn?

People suffering from long-term heartburn have a higher risk of being diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus, the only known precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma - a type of cancer.

Barrett's Progression: Barrett's oesophagus is found in approximately 10–15% of those who present to gastroenterology clinics with symptoms of chronic reflux.1

Barrett’s oesophagus increases the risk of oesophageal cancer approximately 10 times compared with the general population.2

Cancer Progression: Every year around 0.5% of Barrett's patients progress to cancer, however early stage detection is possible with diagnostic tools such as the capsule sponge.3,4

The symptoms of oesophageal cancer can be similar to those of heartburn and reflux, which is why it is important that we test to find cancerous changes early.
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Create your report

What are my options?

There are a variety of ways to manage persistent heartburn, however the different treatment options depend on the type of symptoms.

Treatment options range from a combination of lifestyle and diet changes, to surgery, to address the root cause of your reflux. Or you can investigate your symptoms with a capsule sponge test.

All of these options begin with your healthcare provider trying to get a clear picture of your condition, which is why we have created the symptom report tool.

However there are some symptoms that require urgent attention from your GP, those include:

  • Heartburn lasts more than 6 months or keeps coming back
  • Symptoms persist despite use of nonprescription medications
  • You have difficulty swallowing
  • You have persistent nausea or vomiting
  • You have weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating
Create your report

How can a capsule sponge test help?

For more information about capsule sponge testing and how it can help you investigate your symptoms without endoscopy, watch the Heartburn Health Check video below.

Create your symptom report

Once you have received your report, our team will also be in contact to offer support. You do not need to respond if you do not need any help.

Answer the questions to create your report

* indicates required
Sex
Family history of Barrett's or oesophageal cancer
Smoking history
Have you ever smoked? And if so, when?
How long have you had heartburn?
What are your main symptoms?
Are you currently taking heart medication?
Do you want a referral to a capsule sponge clinic? *
A private clinic will call to assess if you are suitable.

Data will be stored as per Cyted's Privacy Policy and will be used solely to contact you regarding this report. You can withdraw your consent at any time, simply contact:

Data Protection Lead, Cyted UK Ltd, 2 Falcon Road, Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, PE29 6FG; email: dpo@cytedhealth.com

References

1. Spechler SJ. Clinical practice. Barrett's Esophagus. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(11):83642.
2. Cook MB, Coburn SB, Lam JR, et al. Cancer incidence and mortality risks in a large US Barrett's oesophagus cohort. Gut. 2018;67(3):418-529.
3. Hvid-Jensen F, Pedersen L, Drewes AM, et al. Incidence of adenocarcinoma among patients with Barrett's esophagus. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(15):1375-83.
4. Yousef F, Cardwell C, Cantwell MM, et al. The incidence of esophageal cancer and high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Epidemiol. 2008;168(3):237-49.