Gastroesophageal reflux. Don't forget to ask about heartburn

At least 13% of the US adult population have chronic heartburn, and unknown percentages of others have related symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Studies show that most people with symptoms of reflux self-medicate and do not seek medical advice. Also, they fail to mention these symptoms when visiting their physician for other conditions. Therefore, the importance of thorough history taking cannot be overstated, and it may be prudent for primary care physicians to question all patients routinely about reflux symptoms.