August - October 2022

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

It is thought that 18-27% of the US population suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), making it one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the country.

Caused by stomach acid coming into the esophagus, this condition can cause discomfort and pain, and in severe cases, can lead to more serious conditions such as cancer.

Many Americans are finding answers for how to address GERD through online searches and social media. What are the popular topics that emerge when people make such inquiries?

Search Trends

The Trends Section provides an overview of some of the most recent and relevant topics that relate to particular health conditions.

It features a selection of the topics that have the fastest growing Google search interest across the last three months, and reflects the inquiries of patients, healthcare providers, scientists, and others who are invested in the topic.

This is valuable to understand people’s interests and concerns at the present moment, and often include the U.S. states that have the highest interest in a topic. 

Quilt.AI brings these trends to life through an analysis that incorporates both cultural and scientific lenses.

What is trending on search for GERD?

Search interest for Tegoprazan grew by 138% in the last 3 months, from August 2022 to October 2022.

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1. Tegoprazan is gaining attention in the United States

Tegoprazan is a new drug being developed to treat acid-related gastrointestinal issues. Tegoprazan has already been approved in South Korea and China [1]. In October, Sebela Pharmaceuticals entered a partnership with HK inno.N Corporation to bring Tegoprazan to the United States. 

As it is a new treatment option in the US, patients and healthcare professionals may need more information on its authorization status, price, uses, and possible side effects, which can help them make informed decisions about their treatment options. 

2.  Vonoprazan has emerged as a popular treatment option for NERD patients.

Phantom Pharmaceuticals presented Vonoprazan at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting in October. The Phase 2 PHALCON-NERD study has shown promising results for vonoprazan as a treatment option for NERD (non-erosive reflux disease), which is a type of GERD. 

The study suggested that the drug has the potential to provide rapid and sustained relief when taken as-needed by these patients. [1]

This has led to an increase in search interest towards vonoprazan and its potential to treat NERD.

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Search interest for Vonoprazan grew by 284% in the last 3 months, from August 2022 to October 2022.

Search interest for Helicobacter pylori test grew by 189% in the last 3 months, from August 2022 to October 2022. 

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3. Helicobacter pylori is linked to GERD

Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a common bacteria that affects about one-third of people in the U.S. It is a leading cause of ulcers and gastritis (stomach lining inflammation). Despite 5 billion people worldwide being infected with H.pylori, only 20% of them experience noticeable symptoms [1]

The recent surge in searches for H. pylori tests suggests that more people are recognizing the importance of early detection and treatment of this bacterial infection to prevent related health issues. Additionally, it highlights the need for accessible and affordable testing options and education about the infection.

4. The EndoStim System has been granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the FDA

The FDA has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to the EndoStim System, a treatment option for GERD developed by EndoStim.Though a breakthrough therapy designation doesn't guarantee FDA approval, it can accelerate availability to the public. The EndoStim system for treating drug refractory GERD consists of an implantable device and lead placed through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, that delivers electrical signals to the weak LES muscle to control reflux long-term. [1]

This news likely resulted in an increase in searches for EndoStim Electrical Stimulation Therapy in October. The EndoStim System offers hope to GERD patients with its minimally invasive treatment option, an alternative solution to traditional methods.

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Search interest for EndoStim Electrical Stimulation Therapy grew by 57% in the past 3 months, from Aug 2022 to October 2022.

Search interest for GERD natural cure grew by 123% in the last 3 months, from August 2022 to October 2022.

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5. Are there any natural cure for GERD?

GerdLie is a natural supplement that uses D-limonene, a compound derived from citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, and limes. It provides easy and quick relief to patients.[1]

The recent trend of searching for GERD natural cure suggests a growing interest in more authentic, natural treatment options. This trend aligns with similar movements towards natural and holistic approaches to health. It could be due to various reasons such as side effects of medication, or concerns over long-term use. 

GERD in Culture

The Culture Section highlights emerging cultural trends, new products, and notable dialogue about a variety of health conditions. The purpose of this section is to zoom in on what has been happening within the cultural and professional landscape of a particular health condition–stories that are often missed by quantitative searches.

By featuring influential social media items, patient discourse, professional dialogue, product innovations, and impactful news items, this section illuminates the lived experiences of many patients, while also providing a snapshot of the developments happening around them. 

Here, Quilt.AI offers a detailed and nuanced perspective of what is new and what is meaningful.

1. Identifying the underlying cause of acid reflux.

TikTok users, that comprise both patients and healthcare professionals Patients and healthcare professionals alike are actively sharing their experiences and knowledge regarding the underlying causes of GERD. 

TikTok user @reecemandernutritionist discovered that his GERD was caused by a yeast infection and shared this information, along with indicators of yeast infection, in a video that received over 9,000 likes and 1.7k shares. A doctor with account @theknowmethod highlighted how certain medications can disturb the microbiome, and advised eliminating triggers to improve acid reflux. 

These content creators online believe that understanding the root cause of GERD can help prevent the disease and expedite its cure if already diagnosed.

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2. Dietary changes to cure acid reflux/GERD

Videos around curing GERD/acid reflux through dietary changes have quickly gained popularity on social media. These tips such as consuming apple cider vinegar and supplements, or avoiding chocolate and caffeine have resonated with viewers, since many are taking more holistic approaches to improve their health conditions.

TikTok user @realjesssewolfe received 24k likes, nearly 1k comments, and over 1.8k shares for a video about the dietary changes that transformed his life after 5 years of struggling with GERD. 

Many patients are taking active measures, through searching for different solutions to manage their condition, rather than accepting it as a lifelong issue. 

@realjessewolfe

I miss the ritual/flavor - but I don’t need the “energy” from it. I actually feel 1000 times more energized now than relying on that.

♬ original sound - realjessewolfe

3. Coping GERD through humour

On social media, some individuals with GERD use humor as a way to cope with their condition. Through their content, they portrayed not just the daily struggles of living with the condition, but also demonstrated the possibilities of maintaining a positive outlook, even with a chronic health condition.

One user @jess.emily.xx used humor to cope with acid reflux - through participating in the burping challenge and drinking soda to induce burping. The #burpingchallenge hashtag has garnered 11.5 million views on the platform, indicating its widespread popularity among TikTok users.

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4. The reality of caring for babies with acid reflux

On social media, mothers of babies with acid reflux are sharing both the challenging and humorous moments of caring for their little ones. One of them, @trikatrayf on TikTok, received over 21k likes, 400 comments, and 500 shares for a video depicting her baby bringing up milk after a feed. These videos serve to showcase the difficulties faced by many families and emphasize the importance of being prepared and providing adequate care for babies with acid reflux.

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