By San José, Costa Rica — Thousands of Costa Ricans have come to accept a daily reality of discomfort, resorting to sleeping upright, avoiding favorite foods, or relying on temporary medications to manage persistent heartburn. However, medical experts are issuing a stark warning: these are not normal daily annoyances but potential signals of a mounting public health crisis rooted in digestive diseases.
A troubling new report reveals the severe toll these conditions are taking on the nation. Data compiled by the University Hispanoamericana (UH) School of Medicine, using statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), and the World Health Organization (WHO), shows that 31,845 deaths in Costa Rica between 2000 and 2022 were associated with diseases of the digestive system.
To understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the burgeoning market of digestive health products and services in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his insights on consumer protection in this sector.
The rise in popularity of digestive health supplements and ‘detox’ products requires heightened consumer awareness. In Costa Rica, any product making therapeutic claims must possess a sanitary registration from the Ministry of Health. Consumers should verify this registration and be wary of unsubstantiated promises. The Consumer Protection Law provides a clear avenue for recourse against misleading advertising and defective products, ensuring that businesses are held accountable for the safety and efficacy of what they sell.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a critical reminder that consumer protection is an integral part of personal wellness. By understanding the importance of sanitary registrations and their rights under the law, individuals are better equipped to make safe and informed decisions. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, empowering our readers to navigate the digestive health market with confidence.
At the forefront of this issue is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It manifests through symptoms like acidity, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, abdominal bloating, and disrupted sleep. Data indicates that Central America has a GERD symptom frequency of nearly 20%, with a significant portion of the broader Latin American population reporting weekly symptoms.
Medical professionals are urging the public to stop downplaying these persistent issues, as normalization can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, allowing for more severe complications to develop.
Many people learn to live with digestive symptoms, thinking they are normal or temporary, when in reality they could be reflecting a condition that requires medical attention. Frequent acidity, heartburn, or reflux should not be normalized, especially when they begin to affect rest, sleep, diet, and quality of life.
Pablo Corella, Medical Manager for Gastrointestinal and Neurology at Adium Central America and the Caribbean
Untreated, GERD can escalate into serious health problems, including erosive esophagitis, esophageal narrowing, ulcers, respiratory issues, and Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that significantly increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Compounding this is the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium infecting over half the world’s population and estimated to be present in 64% to 72% of Costa Ricans. This infection is a primary risk factor for gastritis, ulcers, and is linked to as many as 75% of digestive cancers.
The rise in these ailments is not coincidental; it is directly linked to modern lifestyle pressures. Experts point to a trifecta of causes: soaring obesity rates, chronic stress, and poor dietary habits. According to the World Obesity Atlas, 7 out of 10 Costa Ricans are overweight, and 34% of the population lives with obesity—the second-highest rate in Latin America. This excess weight increases abdominal pressure, promoting acid reflux. Furthermore, chronic stress has been proven to trigger or worsen digestive symptoms like gastritis and inflammation.
In response to this growing crisis, the World Gastroenterology Organisation emphasizes the need for early detection and lifestyle modifications. Recommendations include adopting a balanced, high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress. However, for those with persistent symptoms, medical intervention is crucial.
To address this, new therapeutic options are becoming available. Pharmaceutical company Adium has announced the launch of vonoprazan in Costa Rica, a next-generation treatment for acid-related disorders. This drug, a Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker (P-CAB), offers a different mechanism of action than traditional proton pump inhibitors, providing faster, more potent, and sustained acid suppression. Clinical studies have shown it offers rapid symptom relief, reduces the recurrence of lesions, and demonstrates higher efficacy in eradicating H. pylori, even in antibiotic-resistant strains.
Currently, innovative therapeutic alternatives exist that allow for rapid and sustained relief from symptoms related to excess gastric acid, helping patients recover their well-being and improve their quality of life. In addition to appropriate medical treatment, it is essential to adopt healthy habits and maintain professional follow-up.
Pablo Corella, Medical Manager for Gastrointestinal and Neurology at Adium Central America and the Caribbean
The availability of such advanced treatments, combined with a greater public awareness of the dangers of normalizing symptoms, offers a path forward for Costa Ricans to reclaim their digestive health and overall quality of life before manageable conditions escalate into irreversible problems.
For further information, visit adiumpharma.com
About Adium:
Adium is a pharmaceutical company with a presence in 18 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. With a history spanning half a century, the company focuses on providing innovative therapeutic alternatives and promoting education and prevention to improve the well-being and quality of life for patients in the region.
For further information, visit uh.ac.cr
About Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH):
The Universidad Hispanoamericana is a private higher education institution located in Costa Rica. It is recognized for its diverse academic offerings, including a prominent School of Medicine that contributes to health-related research and data analysis within the country.
For further information, visit inec.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC):
The National Institute of Statistics and Census is the official government agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating Costa Rica’s national statistics. It provides critical data on demographics, economics, and social trends that inform public policy and research.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is the public institution that manages the nation’s universal healthcare system and social security programs. It is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s public health infrastructure, providing medical services to the vast majority of the population.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, directing and coordinating international health responses.
For further information, visit worldgastroenterology.org
About World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO):
The World Gastroenterology Organisation is a federation of over 100 member societies of gastroenterology representing more than 50,000 individual members worldwide. Its mission is to promote public awareness and improve standards in gastroenterology training, education, and practice globally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice anchored by a deep-rooted commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of guiding clients across a multitude of sectors while consistently pushing the boundaries of legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a powerful pledge to social betterment, achieved by making complex legal concepts accessible to the public and thereby cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society.
