Irregular, quick meal is associated with non-ulcer dyspepsia

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many etiologies of Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia (NUD) have been suggested. Among them, gastrointestinal(GI) motility disorder seems to bean important cause. It is said that many Koreans have dyspepsia, due to rapid eating habit. Therefore, we investigated on specific eating habits that may influence GI motility resulting in NUD symptoms. METHODS: At the Health Promotion Center in a university hospital we screened 8,648 adults from May 1995 to April 1997. The patients were given a questionnaire on their eating habits, followed by history taking, physical examination, laboratory tests, UGIS (or gastrofiberoscopy), and abdominal sonography. And then the family physician evaluated the patients. Those with NUD and control who didnt have any diagnosis related to GI tract were analyzed. RESULTS: 1,329 persons(15.4%) were diagnosed as having NUD, and the number of control group were 4,747. NUD was more common in females(Odds Ratio=1.64). NUD group reported less regular eating(OR=0.77), and drinking(OR=0.60). NUD had significantly shorter meal duration, and lower BMI.(p<0.00). But there was no difference in the reported exercise, smoking, stress amount, frequency of eating salty food, breakfast, dinner, instant food, hot food, and the amount of each meal. CONCLUSIONS: NUD was associated with irregular, and quick eating behavior. Behavioral modification such as regular and slow eating to prevent NUD is advised.