1At least 10 per cent of the Western population suffers from heartburn. In Finland, as many as 30 per cent have heartburn at times. 
 
2Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to the abnormal reflux of stomach acid to the esophagus and the related symptoms, most typical of which is heartburn. Some 10 per cent of Finns experience GERD symptoms from time to time.

3The most common cause of heartburn is a weak LES muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. If the reflux of stomach acid is prolonged, it may lead to inflammation of the lining of the esophagus.

4Gastritis refers to an infection in the stomach mucous. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) involves an ulceration in the gastric mucosa (peptic ulcer) or in the duodenal mucosa (duodenal ulcer). Duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, which connects to the stomach.  It is difficult to draw a straight line between gastritis and PUD, because the ulceration (ulcus) typically develops in an infected stomach. 

5An infection caused by helicobacter is the most common cause for gastritis and PUD.

6Helicobacter infection is related to hygienic conditions. In developing countries, 80% of adults carry helicobacter.

7About one or two in every ten persons infected with helicobacter will develop gastritis. Infection increases the risk of stomach cancer by 2 to 6 times.

8Helicobacter can be diagnosed by means of breath test, stool antigen test or blood antigen test. 

9Diarrhoea is the most common health complaint among Finns when they travel. The likelihood of getting diarrhoea depends on the country and season. The risk is the greatest during the warm season and in areas were food hygiene is poor.

10Travellers’ diarrhoea is caused by bacteria, viruses and protozoa. There is no general vaccine against travellers’ diarrhoea.

Source: The Terveyskirjasto portal, the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, vapautavatsasi.fi