Prevalence of atypical symptoms and their association with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in Spain

BACKGROUND: The association between typical and atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has received little attention in population-based studies. This study therefore sought to examine the prevalence of atypical symptoms, and their association with typical GER symptoms in Spain. METHODS: A telephone survey using a validated questionnaire was conducted in 2002 on 2500 subjects aged 40-79 years, randomly selected from the general population of Spain. The questionnaire included items on typical GER symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) and several atypical symptoms (chest pain, dysphagia, belching, dyspepsia, globus, hoarseness, hiccups, chronic cough and asthma). The association between typical GER symptoms and each atypical symptom was summarized using odds ratios obtained from logistic regression. RESULTS: The response rate was 71.2%. A total of 60.8% (95% confidence interval 59.0-62.8%) of subjects reported suffering from at least one atypical symptom during the year preceding the interview. The prevalence rates varied from 26.7% for hoarseness to 6.6% for asthma. The prevalence of atypical symptoms was higher among the 791 subjects with typical GER symptoms than among the 1709 subjects reporting no typical GER symptoms (79.6 versus 52.2%). It was also higher among those reporting frequent typical GER symptoms compared with those reporting occasional symptoms (87.8 versus 58%). After adjustment for age, sex, coffee, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and psychosomatic symptoms, an association (P<0.05) was observed between typical symptoms and the respective atypical symptoms, with odds ratios ranging from 1.4 for asthma to 4.6 for belching. After additional adjustment for the remaining atypical symptoms, chest pain, dysphagia, dyspepsia, belching and globus were each independently associated with typical reflux symptoms. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of atypical GER symptoms is extremely high. There is an association between typical and atypical GER symptoms, particularly chest pain, dysphagia, dyspepsia, belching and globus.     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in a low-income region in Turkey

OBJECTIVES: Detailed population-based data regarding the prevalence and symptom profile of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in underdeveloped and developing Caucasian countries are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical spectrum of GERD in a low-income region in Turkey. METHODS: We used a previously validated reflux questionnaire, which was translated into Turkish and culturally adapted. The questionnaire was applied to 630 randomly selected participants greater than 20 yr old living in a population of 8,857 adults, with a low mean income of 75 dollars/person/month. The reliability and reproducibility of the questionnaire were calculated using the kappa statistic (test-retest). Endoscopy and/or 24-h intraesophageal pH monitoring were used to ascertain its validity in identifying patients with reflux. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD symptoms was 10% for heartburn, 15.6% for regurgitation, and 20% for either symptom experienced at least weekly (95% CI). Heartburn and regurgitation were associated with noncardiac chest pain (37.3%), dysphagia (35.7%), dyspepsia (42.1%), odynophagia (35.7%), globus, hoarseness, cough, hiccup, nausea, vomiting, belching, and NSAID use, but not with body mass index in both frequent and occasional symptom groups. The prevalence of heartburn symptoms, but not regurgitation, increased significantly with age. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GERD in a low-income population in Turkey was similar to that of developed countries, although with a different symptom profile, namely, a lower incidence of heartburn and a higher incidence of regurgitation and dyspepsia. These findings support the contention that there are a large number of patients worldwide in underdeveloped nations with poorly recognized and largely undertreated GERD.     

Effect of Antisecretory Therapy on Atypical Symptoms in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on extraesophageal or atypical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of atypical manifestations in patients with acid reflux disease and the effect of PPI treatment. Patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of reflux were enrolled. Erosive esophagitis was stratified using the Los Angeles classification. Demographic data and symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire and included typical symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, odynophagia), and atypical symptoms (e.g., chest pain, sialorrhea, hoarseness, globus sensation, chronic coughing, episodic bronchospasm, hiccup, eructations, laryngitis, and pharyngitis). Symptoms were reassessed after a 3-month course of b.i.d. PPI therapy. A total of 266 patients with a first diagnosis of GERD (erosive, 166; non-erosive, 100) were entered in the study. Presentation with atypical symptoms was approximately equal in those with erosive GERD and with non-erosive GERD, 72% vs 79% (P = 0.18). None of the study variables showed a significant association with the body mass index. PPI therapy resulted in complete symptom resolution in 69% (162/237) of the participants, 12% (28) had improved symptoms, and 20% (47) had minimal or no improvement. We conclude that atypical symptoms are frequent in patients with GERD. A trial of PPI therapy should be considered prior to referring these patients to specialists.     

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease among hospital employees

Quantitative estimate of the actual prevalence of the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is difficult to obtain because most of the patients with heartburn have intermittent symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of typical and atypical symptoms suggesting GERD to investigate the association of habits and social conditions reported to lead to reflux in the employees of hospital. A total of 2037 collected forms were assessed. The prevalence of GERD was found to be 21.7% (442). The prevalence of symptoms other than heartburn in employees with and without GERD symptoms were 6.6% versus 3.4% (P < 0.05) for asthma, 27.6% versus 8.3% (P < 0.001) for night cough, 50% versus 19.5% (P < 0.001) for noncardiac chest pain. Dyspeptic complaints were found to be significantly higher among GERD patients (P < 0.001). By multiple logistic regression analysis, female gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.60, P = 0.027), non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug medication (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03–1.60, P = 0.021) and body mass index over 30 (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.60–3.18, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with GERD symptoms. GERD is a common health problem in Turkey, and its prevalence is similar to that of Western populations with different symptom profiles. Female gender, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, and body mass index >30 kg/m² were independent risk factors associated with GERD symptoms. Age, alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco smoking do not seem to be risk factors for reflux.     

Prevalence and impact of gastroesophageal reflux in adolescents with asthma: a population-based study

We determined the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and the associations between GERD symptoms and asthma morbidity in a population of adolescents with asthma. Two thousand, three hundred and ninety-seven students attending six middle schools in Seattle completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC) written and video survey that included additional questions pertaining to GERD symptoms and asthma morbidity. Based on their responses, children were categorized as having undiagnosed current asthma, physician-diagnosed current asthma, or no asthma symptoms. The prevalence of GERD symptoms occurring at least weekly or daily was determined for each group. The asthma morbidity outcomes were emergency department visits, physician visits, missed school days, and use of inhaled medications for respiratory symptoms within the past year. Associations between GERD symptoms and asthma morbidity outcomes were determined using logistic regression. The prevalence of GERD symptoms was significantly higher among students with current asthma (19.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 14.9-24.2) than students with no asthma symptoms (2.5%; 95% CI, 1.8-3.4). In children with current asthma (n = 296), symptoms of GERD that occurred at least weekly were strongly associated with emergency department visits (odds ratio (OR), 5.0; 95% CI, 2.6-9.6), physician visits (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.6), missed school (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.7), and inhaled medication use (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.7). The associations between GERD symptoms and emergency department visits, physician visits, and inhaled medication use were stronger among children with asthma who reported daily GERD symptoms (n = 14) than among children reporting weekly GERD symptoms (n = 57). The prevalence of GERD symptoms was greater in adolescents with current asthma than in those without asthma. In addition, the presence of at least weekly GERD symptoms was strongly associated with greater asthma morbidity and the use of asthma medications.     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: extraesophageal manifestations and therapy

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can present with both typical symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation as well as atypical symptoms. These symptoms may include chest pain, asthma, chronic cough, hoarseness, otitis media, atypical loss of dental enamel, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, recurrent pneumonia, chronic bronchitis and even sudden infant death. The diagnosis of GERD in these patients can often present a challenge and usually requires a combination of selected testing and therapeutic trials. Acid suppression by using proton pump inhibitors remains the treatment of choice in GERD, but some patients will also respond well to antireflux surgery. This article addresses the presentations, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic opportunities in GERD patients with atypical presentations.     

Pediatric otolaryngologic manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease

In adults, an estimated 4% to 10% of chronic, nonspecific laryngeal disease seen in otolaryngologic clinics is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although no such estimates exist in children, many investigators have reported extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, of which the most common is the association of GERD with asthma and chronic cough. A variety of signs and symptoms of otolaryngologic disease also have been attributed to GERD, including hoarseness, laryngitis, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, globus pharyngeus, recurrent croup, laryngomalacia, stridor, subglottic stenosis, otalgia, vocal cord granulomas, and oropharyngeal dysphagia. However, proof of the association between these manifestations of otolaryngologic disease and GERD is sparse. Furthermore, the manifestations of otolaryngologic disease often occur in the absence of such classic systems of GERD as heartburn or chest pain. This review explores the role of GERD in otolaryngologic disease in children.     

The clinical characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with laryngeal symptoms who are referred to gastroenterology

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has increased recently in Asia‐Pacific countries. However, little is known about its prevalence and clinical characteristics in GERD patients with atypical symptoms in Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of GERD in patients who had laryngeal symptoms in Korea. Data were gathered retrospectively from patients who presented with atypical symptoms, such as throat discomfort, globus pharyngeus, hoarseness, and chronic cough. They underwent a 24‐hour ambulatory intraesophageal pH monitoring and filled in a validated reflux questionnaire. Overall, 128 patients (36 men and 92 women) with laryngeal symptoms were included. Of these 128, 43 patients (34%) had erosive esophagitis or pathological reflux from 24‐hour ambulatory pH monitoring, and 24 (19%) had a positive Bernstein test or positive symptom index from 24‐hour pH monitoring. Sixty‐one patients (48%) had no evidence of reflux esophagitis on upper endoscopy and pathological acid reflux on 24‐hour pH monitoring. Fifty‐six patients (44%) had weekly heartburn or regurgitation. Typical symptoms and dyspepsia were significantly more common in patients with GERD who had laryngeal symptoms than non‐GERD. Fifty‐two percent of patients had laryngeal symptoms that were associated with GERD. The presence of typical reflux symptoms and dyspepsia are risk factors for GERD in patients who present with laryngeal symptoms.     

Hygiene could affect GERD prevalence independently: a population-based study in Tehran

OBJECTIVE: Population-based data on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Iran are limited. Current study is going to determine the prevalence of GERD in Tehran, Iran, and its association with potential risk factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a random clustered sample of Tehran province permanent households was selected from the latest postcodes. Data were collected by direct interview for each person aged 18-65 yr. GERD was defined as the existence of at least weekly episodes of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation during the last 6 months. All participants were asked about past and recent sanitary conditions, oral hygiene, and smoking. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Interview was performed with 2,561 eligible subjects (42.3% men). Response rate was 84.8%. The prevalence of GERD was 21.2% (95% CI 18.7-23.7). According to multivariable logistic regression analyses, individuals whose drinking water was obtained from well or tank during childhood were more prone to experience GERD symptoms (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.03-1.77 and OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.53-3.96, respectively). We also detected significant associations with increasing number of missing teeth (P value for linear trend = 0.02) and history of unpurified water consumption during past 10 yr (P < 0.001). Current smokers had a higher prevalence of reflux (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32-2.51). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GERD in our Iranian population was considerably higher than that reported from other Asian studies approaching western figures. GERD prevalence was significantly associated with the history of unpurified water consumption, poor sanitary conditions of childhood, number of missing teeth, and smoking in this population.     

Extraösophageale Manifestationen der Refluxerkrankung an den Atmungsorganen

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common medical condition with a prevalence of 10–20% in the western world and almost every third GERD-patient presents with extraesophageal symptoms. The extraesophageal symptoms and disorders associated with GERD are chronic cough, bronchial asthma, sleep disturbances or aggravation of sleep disordered breathing, hoarseness, dental erosions and non-cardiac chest pain. The severity of the symptoms is variable. Typical GERD symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation can occur only faintly or not at all, and extraesophageal symptoms may be predominant. Causality and pathogenesis are not clarified conclusively, however recurrent microaspirations and nerval mechanisms are suggested. Recurrent aspirations, especially in patients with structural oesophageal disorders predispose to pulmonary infections. One hypothesis postulates a causal relationship between microaspirations and idopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This article gives an overview of reflux associated bronchopulmonary diseases and summarizes treatment options.     

Prevalence and characteristics of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To study prevalence and characteristics of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease in the elderly. DESIGN: Survey by questionnaire of stratified random sample. SETTING: City of Turku, Finland. SUBJECTS: Population-based random sample consisting of non-institutionalized subjects aged 65 years or over. A questionnaire was sent to 559 subjects. The response rate was 92%. Twenty-nine incompletely filled forms were rejected. Thus, the questionnaires from 487 subjects, representing 87% of the original number, constitute the basis for the study. MEASUREMENTS: The questionnaire inquired about the following symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, dyspepsia, respiratory symptoms, vomiting, and belching. RESULTS: The age-adjusted prevalence of daily symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease was 8% in men and 15% in women (P < 0.05). Fifty-four percent of men and 66% of women reported that they had symptoms at least once a month (P < 0.05). The prevalence of symptoms was roughly the same across age groups. The occurrence of chest pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, belching, dysphagia, chronic cough, hoarseness, and wheezing were associated with symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease are common in elderly subjects. Women suffer from these symptoms more frequently than men. Typical reflux symptoms are often associated with atypical complaints, such as abdominal symptoms, chest pain, or respiratory symptoms.     

反流病诊断问卷评分低下的原因分析

目的 分析反流病诊断问卷(RDQ)评分低下患者的临床特征及原因.方法 回顾性比较和分析1 48例确诊为胃食管反流病(GERD)患者中22例RDQ积分＜12分者和126例积分≥12分者的临床特征.对两者胸骨后疼痛、烧心、反酸、反食的程度及频率等进行对比分析,同时,对RDQ低分病例的不典型症状如胸闷、咽部异物感、嗳气,失眠、焦虑等出现的百分率进行分析.结果 ①22例RDQ平均积分为7.59±2.48,其中最高11分.最低仅2分,出现胸骨后疼痛例数最多,有16例.②RDQ低分者与高分者在胸骨后疼痛方面症状积分差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),前者烧心、反酸、反食的症状积分明显低于后者.差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).③对16例胸骨后疼痛病例进行独立症状积分分析,胸骨后疼痛积分约占RDQ总分的60.28%,而反酸、烧心、反食分别只占16.80%、12.29%、10.63%.④不典型症状如胸闷、胸骨后不适、咽部异物感、咳嗽和气喘、头痛、嗳气、失眠及焦虑分别占总例数的59.09%(13例)、36.36%(8例)、13.63%(3例)、22.72%(5例)、40.90%(9例)、36.36%(8例)及27.27%(6例).结论 RDQ对于有胸骨后疼痛症状.但反酸、反食、烧心症状不明显者以及RDQ外的不典型症状GERD患者不敏感.     

The spectrum of the symptoms and presentations of gastroesophageal reflux disease

The symptoms and presentations of gastroesophageal reflux disease are rather numerous. These include the typical symptoms, such as heartburn, regurgitation, water brash, or dysphagia. However, reflux may also be responsible for such symptoms as hoarseness, pulmonary aspiration, or asthma. It may also be an important cause of noncardiac chest pain. Thus, gastroesophageal reflux disease may be considered a disease with more than just "esophageal" symptoms.     

Pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diagnoses in a gastroenterologist's practice. Gastroesophageal reflux describes the retrograde movement of gastric contents through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to the esophagus. It is a common, normal phenomenon which may occur with or without accompanying symptoms. Symptoms associated with GERD include heartburn, acid regurgitation, noncardiac chest pain, dysphagia, globus pharyngitis, chronic cough, asthma, hoarseness, laryngitis, chronic sinusitis and dental erosions. The introduction of fiberoptic instruments and ambulatory devices for continuous monitoring of esophageal pH (24-hour pH monitoring) has led to great improvement in the ability to diagnose reflux disease and reflux-associated complications. The development of pathological reflux and GERD can be attributed to many factors. Pathophysiology of GERD includes incompetent LES because of a decreased LES pressure, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) and deficient or delayed esophageal acid clearance. Uncomplicated GER may be treated by modification of life style and eating habits in an early stage of GERD. The various agents currently used for treatment of GERD include mucoprotective substances, antacids, H(2) blockers, prokinetics and proton pump inhibitors. Although these drugs are effective, they do not necessarily influence the underlying causes of the disease by improving the esophageal clearance, increasing the LESP or reducing the frequency of TLESRs. The following article gives an overview regarding current concepts of the pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of GERD.     

Increased prevalence of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux diseases in type 2 diabetics with neuropathy

AIM： To analyze the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） related symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus （DM） and to find out the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and the prevalence of GERD symptoms.
METHODS： In this prospective questionnaire study, 150 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients attending the endocrine clinic were enrolled. A junior physician helped the patients to understand the questions. Patients were asked about the presence of five most frequent symptoms of GERD that included heartburn （at least 1/wk）, regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness of voice and chronic cough. Patients with past medical history of angina, COPD, asthma, cough due to ACEI or preexisting GERD prior to onset of diabetes and apparent psychiatric disorders were excluded from the survey. We further divided the patients into two groups based on presence or absence of peripheral neuropathy. Out of 150 patients, 46 had neuropathy, whereas 104 patients did not have neuropathy. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, and number of patients in each category and percentage of total patients in that group. Normal distributions between groups were compared with Student t test and the prevalence rates between groups were compared with Chi-square tests for significance.
RESULTS： The average duration of diabetes were 12 ± 9.2 years and the average HbAlc level of this group was 7.7% ± 2.0%. The mean weight and BMI were 198 ± 54 Ibs. and 32 ± 7.2 kg/m^2. Forty percent （61/150） patients reported having at least one of the symptoms of GERD and thirty percent （45/150） reported having heartburn at least once a week. The prevalence of GERD symptoms is higher in patients with neuropathy than patients without neuropathy （58.7% vs 32.7%, P 〈 0.01）. The prevalence of heartburn, chest pain and chronic cough are also higher in patients with neuropathy than in patients without neuropathy （43.5% vs 24%; 10.9% vs 4.8% and 17.8% vs 6.7% respectively, P 〈 0.05）.
CONCLUSION： The prevalence     

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Moscow

Limited data exist to determine the prevalence and clinical spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the Russian population, which might be different from those in Western countries. This study was performed in Moscow on randomized 1065 adults aged ≥15 years. A validated reflux questionnaire comprising 72 questions and an additional 29 sub‐questions were used. The questions assessed (heartburn and regurgitation) and related (dyspepsia, dysphagia, odynophagia and chest pain) symptoms, the triggering factors of these symptoms, family history and data on demographic and socioeconomic features. GERD was defined as heartburn and/or regurgitation once a week or common. Of the 1065 participants, 42.1% were male and 57.9% were female. The prevalences of frequent and occasional symptoms were 17.6 and 22.1% for heartburn and 17.5 and 21.8% for regurgitation, respectively, over the last 12 months. The prevalence of GERD was found to be 23.6%. The rate of GERD was significantly higher in females than in males (15.4 vs. 29.5%, P < 0.001) and significantly increased as the age of the participants increased (P = 0.011). GERD was present in 20.4% of smokers, 24.2% of coffee drinkers, 21.5% of alcohol consumers and 45.9% of stressed participants. Although the rate of alcohol consumers was lower in those with GERD compared with those without GERD, the rate of coffee drinkers and stressed participants was higher among those with GERD. The rate of additional symptoms was higher even in participants complaining of regurgitation/heartburn rarely, compared with those without complaints. Using the same questionnaire, which makes it possible to compare the present results with those from different countries, we found the prevalence of GERD in Moscow to be 23.6%, one of highest in the Western populations. The rates of heartburn and regurgitation were found to be similar, which constitutes a different result than has been found in similar studies. Additional symptoms should be assessed, in all GERD patients even in the presence of rare complaints of regurgitation/heartburn.     

Extra-esophageal disorders in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that effects about 10% of the adult population comprising a broad spectrum of symptoms and varying degrees of severity and frequency. Extra-esophageal manifestations are increasingly being recognized. Up to 50% of patients with an endoscopically proven or negative esophagitis suffer from symptoms other than heartburn or acid regurgitation such as laryngitis, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, or non-cardiac chest pain. The therapy of choice is proton pump inhibitors.     

Association of body mass index with heartburn, regurgitation and esophagitis: results of the Progression of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease study

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are believed to be risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the severity and frequency of reflux symptoms and esophagitis in a large cohort of reflux patients. METHODS: As part of the Progression of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (ProGERD) study, 6215 patients with clinically assessed GERD were included in the present investigation (53% male, 52 +/- 14 years; 47% female, 56 +/- 14 years). Heartburn and regurgitation symptoms were assessed using the validated Reflux Disease Questionnaire. Endoscopies were performed and patients were subsequently classified as having non-erosive or erosive disease. To examine the association between BMI, GERD symptoms, and esophagitis, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: In patients with GERD, higher BMI was associated with more frequent and more severe heartburn and regurgitation, as well as with esophagitis. The effects were more pronounced for regurgitation than for heartburn. The strongest association was between obesity and severity of regurgitation symptoms (women: OR 2.11, 95%CI 1.60-2.77; men: OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.59-2.90). Obese women, but not men, had an increased risk of severe esophagitis compared to women with normal weight (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.53-4.12). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GERD, higher BMI was associated with more severe and more frequent reflux symptoms and esophagitis.     

Reflux symptoms in professional opera soloists

BackgroundProfessions distinguished by repeated vocal stress carry a high risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) which may affect vocal performance.AimsTo investigate the prevalence of self-reported GERS in professional opera soloists.MethodsA validated questionnaire regarding self-reported GERS (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, and cough) and lifestyle habits was administered to 116 professional opera soloists (mean age 34.1 ± 7.3 years, F:M ratio 1:1.1). Age and sex-matched opera choristers and control subjects were used as control. Prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) adjusted for confounding factors were evaluated.ResultsAmong GERS, belching (33.6%), heartburn (19.8%), and dysphagia (15.5%) were the most commonly reported by soloists. In particular, a higher risk of heartburn (PRR 2.61, 95% CI 1.45–4.69) and dysphagia (PRR 2.58, 95% CI 1.31–5.10) was reported in soloists as compared to choristers. The prevalence of obesity and late dinner was higher in both choristers and soloists in comparison to the population sample (p < 0.001). GERS was more common among soloists who received pharmacologic treatment and their prevalence was unrelated to the years of singing activity.ConclusionsProfessional opera soloists, regardless of the length of their career, are predisposed to developing GERS. Physicians should encourage patients to correct preventable risk factors. A prolonged pharmacological treatment might be needed.     

Epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease： A general population-based study in Xi＇an of Northwest China

AIM: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder in the Western population, but detailed population-based data in China are limited. The aim of this study was to understand the epidemiology of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (SGER) in adults of Xi‘an, a northwestern city of China, and to explore the potential risk factors of GERD. METHODS: Symptoms suggestive of GERD, functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), upper respiratory diseases and some potential risk factors were investigated in a face-to-face manner in a region-stratified random samples of 2 789 residents aged 18-70 years in Xi‘an by using a standardized questionnaire. METHODS: With a response rate of 91.8%, the prevalence of SGER was 16.98% (95% CI, 14.2-18.92) in Xi‘an adults, and no gender-related difference was observed (P&lt;0.05). SGER was more common among subjects aged 30-70 years than in those aged 18-29 years (P&lt;0.01). The prevalence of SGER in rural, urban and suburban subjects was 21.07%, 17.44% and 12.12%, respectively, and there was a significant difference between rural, urban and suburban regions (P&lt;0.05). Compared with subjects without SGER, the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of FD and IBS, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, chronic cough, wheeze, globus sensation, oral ulcer and snore was significantly increased in subjects with SGER (P&lt;0.01). Heavy smoking (OR=5.76; CI, 3.70-6.67), heavy alcohol use (OR=2.85; CI, 1.67-4.49), peplJc ulcer (OR=5.76; CI, 3.99-8.32), cerebral palsy (OR=3.97; CI, 1.97-8.00), abdominal operation (OR=2.69; CI, 1.75-4.13), obesity(OR=2.16; CI, 1.47-3.16), excessive food intake (OR= 1.43;CI, 1.17-1.15), sweet food (OR=1.23; CI, 0.89-1.54), and consumption of coffee (OR= 1.23; CI, 0.17-2.00) were independently associated with SGER. The episodes of GERD were commonly precipitated by dietary factors (66.05%), followed by body posture (26.54%), ill temper (23.72%), fatigue (22.32%) and stress (10.93%). CONCLUSION: GERD is common in Xi‘an‘s adult population with a mild or moderate degree. The etiology and pathogenesis of GERD are probably associated with FD, IBS, and some respiratory, laryngopharyngeal and odontostological diseases or symptoms. Some lifestyles, diseases and dietary factors are the risk factors of GERD.