§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients in England suffered from heartburn in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what proportion of the population these represent; [127449]
(2) what measures his Department is taking to reduce the number of people who suffer from heartburn. [127452]
§ Dr. LadymanInformation on the incidence of individual conditions, such as heartburn, is not collected centrally. It is estimated, however, that around 40 per cent. of the adult population may suffer from dyspepsia. Dyspepsia refers to a spectrum of usually intermittent upper gastrointestinal symptoms.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is currently preparing a guideline on "Dyspepsia: managing adult patients in primary care". The guideline is currently out as a draft for first consultation. This national guideline will provide recommendations and supporting evidence on caring for patients with dyspepsia.