PREVALENCE OF SYMPTOMS SUGGESTIVE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN AN ADULT-POPULATION

Symptoms suggestive of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are very common. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of these symptoms and factors influencing them in an unselected adult population. A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 2500 people aged greater than or equal to 20 years. The questions concerned heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chest and upper abdominal pain, as well as medication and medical consultations for these symptoms. Of the 1700 (68%) responders, 9% had experienced heartburn on the day of response and 15%, 21% and 27% during the preceding week, month and year, respectively, The corresponding figures for regurgitation were 5, 15, 29 and 45%. During the past year 43% of the study group had had no such symptoms. Age, overweight, pregnancy and cigarette smoking significantly influenced the prevalence of symptoms. Using daily heartburn and/or regurgitation as dominant indicators 10.3% (95% CI 12-11.7) of the responders had gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Medication (most commonly antacids) was used by only 16% of the symptomatic people, and only 5.5% had sought medical advice for symptoms during the past year. Thus, despite commonness of symptoms suggestive of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease only a minority of the individuals suffering from such symptoms use medication or have medical consultation.