Prevalence and risk factors of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms among adolescents, the HUNT study.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is recognized by symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation. These gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (GORS) are common in adults, but data from adolescents are sparse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of GORS among adolescents in a large and unselected population. METHODS: This study was based on the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a longitudinal series of population-based health surveys conducted in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. This study included data from Young-HUNT4 performed in 2017-2019, where all inhabitants aged 13-19 years were invited and 8066 (76.0%) participated. The presence of GORS (any or frequent) during the past 12 months and tobacco smoking status were reported through self-administrated questionnaires, whereas body mass index (BMI) was objectively measured. RESULTS: Among 7620 participating adolescents reporting on the presence of GORS, the prevalence of any GORS and frequent GORS was 33.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.2 - 34.3%) and 3.6% (95% CI 3.2 - 4.0%), respectively. The risk of frequent GORS was lower among boys compared to girls (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.46 - 0.79), higher in current smokers compared to never smokers (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.10 - 2.93) and higher among obese compared to underweight/normal weight adolescents (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.70 - 3.66). CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of adolescents had GORS in this population-based study, particularly girls, tobacco smokers, and individuals with obesity, but frequent GORS was relatively uncommon. Measures to avoid tobacco smoking and obesity in adolescents may prevent GORS.

Risk factors associated with functional esophageal disorders (FED) versus gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

INTRODUCTION: Despite the high prevalence of typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), approximately 30% of patients have functional esophageal disorders (FED) on ambulatory reflux monitoring, which may include reflux hypersensitivity (RH; defined as physiologic acid exposure but temporally correlated symptoms of reflux), or functional heartburn (FH; defined as physiologic acid exposure and negative symptom correlation). There are limited epidemiological data characterizing these conditions. We investigated demographic and socioeconomic factors as well as medical comorbidities which may predispose to FED versus pathologic GERD. METHODS: Adult patients with reflux symptoms for at least 3 months were studied with 24-h pH-impedance testing from 11/2019 to 3/2021. Participants were categorized into pathologic GERD, FH, or RH using pH-impedance data and reported symptom correlation. Demographic data, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, zip code, insurance status, and medical comorbidity data were retrospectively retrieved from the electronic medical record on all participants. RESULTS: 229 patients were included. Non-Hispanic Asian ethnicity (OR 5.65; p = 0.01), underweight BMI (OR 7.33; p = 0.06), chronic pain (OR 2.33; p < 0.01), insomnia (OR 2.83; p = 0.06), and allergic rhinitis (OR 3.90; p < 0.01) were associated with a greater risk for FED. Overweight BMI (OR 0.48; p = 0.03) and alcohol use (OR 0.57; p = 0.06) were associated with a decreased risk for FED. DISCUSSION: This is the first report of a greater risk of FED in patients with underweight BMI, insomnia, chronic pain, allergic rhinitis, or of Asian or Hispanic ethnicities. The weak associations between female gender and anxiety are corroborated in other studies. Our findings enable clinicians to better screen patients with reflux for this disorder.

The association between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and perceived stress: A countrywide study of Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Stress is a known associated factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the dynamics between stress and GERD are not fully studied, especially in Sri Lanka. Our objective was to assess it. METHODS: For this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1200 individuals (age ranged 18-70 years, mean 42.7 years [SD 14.4 years], 46.1% males), were recruited using stratified random cluster sampling from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included a country-validated GERD symptom screening tool, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), was used to assess GERD symptoms and stress. Probable GERD was defined as those having heartburn and/ or regurgitation at least once per week which is on par with globally accepted criteria. Those who did not fulfill these criteria were considered as controls. RESULTS: PSS score was higher in those with probable GERD (mean 13.75 [standard deviation (SD) 6.87]) than in controls (mean 10.93 [SD 6.80]), (p <0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). The adjusted odds ratio for GERD symptoms was 1.96 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.50-2.55) in the moderate to high-stress level compared to the low-stress level participants. PSS score correlated significantly with the GERD screening tool score (R 0.242, p <0.001). Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, and burping were significantly frequent in those with moderate to high-stress levels (p <0.001). Those with higher stress scores were more likely to use acid-lowering drugs (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals exposed to higher levels of stress are more likely to have GERD symptoms. Therefore, stress reduction should be an important part of GERD symptom management.

Dental evaluation is helpful in the differentiation of functional heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Heartburn is identically the key symptom of both, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional heartburn (FHB), making the differential diagnosis resource-intensive. Oral manifestations of GERD can be easily examined; therefore, their exploration might be a cheap, widely available, and useful tool in the differentiation of GERD and FHB. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of dental erosions (DE) and periodontal diseases (PD) in patients with heartburn and their association with GERD and FHB. METHODS: A total of 116 [M/F: 51/65, mean age: 54 (17-80) years] consecutive patients with heartburn were enrolled for detailed esophageal function and orodental examinations. RESULTS: Dental disorders were detected in 89% (103/116). Patients with PD + DE had significantly more often pathologic reflux (90.0% vs 27.8%; P < 0.05), higher esophagitis scores (1.8 vs 0.9; P < 0.05), and a significantly different mean impedance curve (P = 0.04) than those without any dental diseases. The opposite approach established that patients with GERD had significantly higher prevalence of DE and PD, especially if both were present (28.9% vs 2.0%; P < 0.01), more severe PD (1.5 vs 1.0; P < 0.01), and longer history of heartburn (15 years vs 9 years; P < 0.01) than those with FHB. CONCLUSION: The dental evaluation of patients with heartburn seems to be useful in the differential diagnosis of GERD and FHB. Among the studied parameters, the co-appearance of DE and PD seems to be the best predictor of GERD, whereas the absence of dental disorders was mostly observed in FHB.

The Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Azerbaijan: A Population-Based Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Azerbaijan has not been evaluated before. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease based on the validated reflux questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1026 individuals from 7 regions of Azerbaijan were included in the cross-sectional study conducted via face-to-face administration of the validated Mayo Clinic's gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was diagnosed if an individual had heartburn and/or regurgitation occurring at least once a week. RESULTS: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Azerbaijan was 22.7% with significant female predominance (26.1% vs. 15.3%; P < .0001). Gastroesophageal reflux disease was prevalent in 17% of those aged below 35 years; 22.7% of those in the age range 36-55 years, and 38.5% of those who are above 56 years, which, accordingly, indicates that gastroesophageal reflux disease becomes significant as age increased (P < .0001). Male respondents younger than 35 years had much lower rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease than in older groups (5.7% vs. 22.7%, P < .0001), whereas in females older than 55 years, age was a significant factor for increasing gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (22.6% vs. 50%, P < .001). Reflux was observed in 18.1% of normal-weight respondents (body mass index 18.6-24.9), 25.6% of overweight (body mass index 25-29.9), and 30.4% of obese ( body mass index > 30) individuals (P = .001). Regarding marital status, the prevalence was the lowest in the single subjects' group (17%), close to average in the married group (23.8%), and the highest (41.7%) in divorced/widowed cases (P = .003). Stress significantly affected the gastroesophageal reflux disease distribution, affecting 59.4% of all respondents (P < .004). CONCLUSION: Gender, body mass index, increased age, marital status, and stress were precipitating factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Socioeconomic diversity, along with lifestyle/habits, did not play a crucial role in the gastroesophageal reflux disease prevalence distribution.

Relationship between nonrestorative sleep and heartburn among a Japanese occupational population.

BACKGROUND: Nonrestorative sleep (NRS) is a symptom of insomnia and is clearly more associated with objective indices than other insomnia symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and insomnia are known to be strongly related. However, the link between NRS and heartburn, a main symptom of GERD, is poorly understood. Therefore, the relationships between them were investigated in addition to sleep duration. METHODS: The results of a single year's medical examinations were investigated for 29,475 Japanese active office workers who were 20 to 59 years old. NRS and heartburn were investigated in a medical interview using a personal computer. The relationships between NRS and heartburn in addition to sleep duration were also analyzed. RESULTS: The subjects were 46.6 ± 8.7 years old (mean ± SD) and 27% and 13% of them had NRS and heartburn, respectively. The presence of NRS together with a sleep duration of ≤ 5, 6, 7 or ≥ 8 hours was an independent comorbid factor for heartburn compared with the absence of NRS together with a sleep duration of seven hours (reference; odds ratio [OR], 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11-2.69, OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 2.16-2.76, OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.94-2.79; and OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.14-2.52). The absence of NRS together with a sleep duration of ≤ 5 hours was also an independent comorbid factor for heartburn compared with the reference (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05-1.37). CONCLUSIONS: NRS in active workers may contribute to heartburn comorbidity despite the sleep duration as in other workers without NRS.

A single-center retrospective study on epidemiological and Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome characteristics of 21010 patients with reflux/heartburn symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a basis for the clinical identification of true and false reflux, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and psychosomatic treatment, we conducted a retrospective study of the etiology and epidemiological and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome characteristics of patients with reflux/heartburn symptoms. METHODS: The 210 10 patients with reflux/heartburn treated at Tianjin Nankai Hospital from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019, were divided into four groups according to their pathogenesis. Sex, age, course of disease, incidence rate, gastroscopy, 24-h pH-impedance, esophageal manometry, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) / Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score, 8-week proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment effect, and TCM syndrome characteristics were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 21010 patients (8864 men and 12146 women), with reflux/heartburn symptoms were screened, including 6284 (29.9%) patients with reflux esophagitis (RE), 10427 (49.6%) patients with non-erosive reflux esophagitis (NERD), 2430 (11.6%) patients with reflux hypersensitivity (RH), and 1870 (8.9%) patients with functional heartburn (FH). The incidence of the disease was higher in women than in men (0.0001). The ranking of the incidence of anxiety and depression in these four groups was FH>RH>NERD>RE ( 0.0001). There were more women than men in the groups with anxiety and more men than women in the groups with depression ( 0.0001), and there was no significant difference in the distribution of anxiety and depression between men and women ( 0.5689). There were significant differences in TCM syndrome characteristics between NERD, RE, and functional esophageal diseases ( 0.01). The highest proportion of functional esophageal disease TCM symptoms was stagnation and phlegm obstruction syndrome (36.16%), and there was no significant difference between RH and FH. The effective rates of PPI treatment at 8 weeks in patients in the RE, NERD, RH, and FH groups were 89%, 72%, 54%, and 0%, respectively. RE was classified into grades A, B, C, and D according to the Los Angeles grading system. The ranking of the incidence of these four grades was A>B>C>D ( 0.0001). The effective rates of PPI treatment at 8 weeks were 91%, 81%, 69%, and 63% in patients with grade A, B, C, and D RE, respectively ( 0.0001). The highest proportion of TCM syndrome types of NERD and RE was the stagnated heat syndrome in the liver and stomach syndrome, 38.99% and 33.90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Reflux/heartburn symptoms are relatively common in middle-aged women, and NERD is the most common etiology, followed by RE, RH, and FH. The most common TCM syndrome characteristics in NERD and RE were stagnated heat syndrome in the liver and stomach syndrome, and stagnation and phlegm obstruction syndrome in functional esophageal diseases. Most patients with reflux/heartburn symptoms also experienced anxiety and depression.

Trends in gastro-oesophageal reflux in a Norwegian general population: the Tromsø Study 1979-2016.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and smoking has changed over time. However, whether the changes in the risk factors are reflected in the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is unknown. The aims of this study were to assess the changes in prevalence of GORD and the associated risk factors over time in a general population. METHODS: This was a population-based study using repeated surveys of the Tromsø Study: Tromsø2 (1979-1980, n = 14,279), Tromsø6 (2007-2008, n = 11,460) and Tromsø7 (2015-2016, n = 20,664). Complaints of heartburn and acid regurgitation and common risk factors were reported, and height and weight were measured. The prevalence of GORD was calculated and the association with risk factors was assessed at each time point by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of GORD was 13% in 1979-1980, 6% in 2007-2008 and 11% in 2015-2016. In all three surveys, the risk of GORD was consistently increased with overweight and smoking. However, overweight was a weaker risk factor in the first (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.42-1.76) compared to the last (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.94-2.41) survey. Smoking was a stronger risk factor in the first (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.31-1.60) than at the last (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-2.29) survey. CONCLUSION: During four decades of follow-up of the same population, no clear change in prevalence of GORD was found. GORD was clearly and consistently associated with overweight and smoking. However, overweight has become a more important risk factor than smoking over time.

EsReflux Protocol: Epidemiological Study of Heartburn and Reflux-like Symptoms in Spanish Community Pharmacies.

(1) Background: Heartburn and reflux discomfort are frequent reasons for consultation at the community pharmacy. To facilitate the assistance work of the community pharmacist and its coordination between different levels of care, a group of experts in Community Pharmacy, Primary Care, and Gastroenterology have recently worked on an algorithm to manage these symptoms in the community pharmacy (Professional Pharmaceutical Service). The objective of this study is to analyze the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with heartburn and/or reflux-like symptoms who go to a community pharmacy, and to evaluate the clinical and humanistic results after the implementation of a Professional Pharmaceutical Service. (2) Methods: A pre-post study will be carried out to evaluate clinical and humanistic results after the implementation of a Professional Pharmaceutical Service. We will include 1200 patients who ask for advice or get a non-prescription medication due to acid and/or reflux symptoms in 240 Spanish pharmacies. Clinical data will be collected at baseline and 15 days after the pharmaceutical intervention. The GERD Impact Scale (GIS) questionnaire will be applied to assess changes in heartburn/reflux-like symptoms and quality of life after the intervention.

A comparative study of the common complaints and secondary complications in patients of osteoarthritis on allopathic, homeopathic and herbal system of medicines.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis worldwide and progression of arthritis may lead to secondary complications. Osteoarthritis is the degradation of joint tissues from the effects of injury, grinding sensation and inflammation. There are three main systems of medicine including allopathic, homeopathic and herbal system for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Plants are the basis for traditional medicine which is still widely practiced today. The objective of the present study is to find out the complaints and secondary complications in patients of osteoarthritis on allopathic, homeopathic and herbal system of medicine. This study was conducted in Karachi from January 2019 to January 2020. Allopathic, Homeopathic and Herbal practitioners were consulted in the study (n=600, with= 200 in each study group). Data was analyzed by SPSS 22 version. Finding of the study suggest that after the treatment with allopathic medicines orthopaedician, family physician or rheumatologist / internal medicine specialist, there was no significant difference in complaints (Chi-square =0.598, p=0.742). Moreover, there was no significant difference in complications (Chi-square = 0.039, p=0.981). While treatment with homeopathic medicines either by orthologist or family physician significant difference in complaints were observed (Chi-square =4.86, p=0.027). The patient visiting family physicians have higher number of complications than orthologists. While treatment with herbal medicines either by orthologists or family physician there was significant difference in complaints. (Chi-square =5.404, p=0.020). The study reveals that there is no significant difference of complaints and complications in allopathic systems of medicine when treating osteoarthritis, while it is significant for homeopathic and herbal medicine.

IMPACT OF HEARTBURN AND REGURGITATION ON INDIVIDUALS' WELL-BEING IN THE GENERAL POPULATION: A BRAZILIAN NATIONAL SURVEY.

BACKGROUND: Heartburn and acid regurgitation are typical symptoms usually associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is one of the gastrointestinal diagnosis with higher prevalence worldwide, significantly impairing patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of GERD-related symptoms in the Brazilian urban population. METHODS: National telephone survey with community-dwelling Brazilian individuals. Self-reported prevalence and frequency of symptoms (heartburn / regurgitation) were assessed. Individuals rated the impact of symptoms in their general well-being using a numeric scale from 1 to 10 (1 = no impact; 10 = very intense, preventing the person to eat and perform daily routine activities). Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The final sample was comprised of 1,773 subjects, 935 (52.7%) females, an average of 40 years old. The prevalence of heartburn and regurgitation in the past 6 months was 26.2% (n=466) and 11.0% (n=196), respectively. Women presented higher prevalence (heartburn n=266, 28.5% and regurgitation n=119, 12.7%) than men (n=200, 23.1% and n=78, 8.9%, respectively) (P<0.05). Heartburn in the past week was reported by 175 individuals (9.8%), while regurgitation episodes by 67 (3.8%). Absence of impact of the symptom in the overall well-being was observed for 82 subjects (17.6%) with heartburn and 18 individuals (9.2%) with regurgitation. Very intense impact was reported by 46 subjects (9.8%) with heartburn and 41 (20.9%) with regurgitation. Women's well-being was more affected than men's (mean score 5.45 vs 4.71, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Heartburn and regurgitation were frequent symptoms, women with higher prevalence. These symptoms led to a substantial impact on individuals' well-being, women being more affected.

Understanding the most commonly billed diagnoses in primary care: Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

ABSTRACT: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, relapsing condition encountered commonly in primary care with an estimated worldwide prevalence of up to 33%. GERD affects all age groups, races, and genders with 25% of the population in the Western world experiencing heartburn at least once a month.

Impacto da pirose e regurgitação no bem-estar de indivíduos da população geral: um inquérito nacional brasileiro / Impact of heartburn and regurgitation on individuals' well-being in the general population: a brazilian national survey

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Heartburn and acid regurgitation are typical symptoms usually associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is one of the gastrointestinal diagnosis with higher prevalence worldwide, significantly impairing patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of GERD-related symptoms in the Brazilian urban population. METHODS: National telephone survey with community-dwelling Brazilian individuals. Self-reported prevalence and frequency of symptoms (heartburn / regurgitation) were assessed. Individuals rated the impact of symptoms in their general well-being using a numeric scale from 1 to 10 (1 = no impact; 10 = very intense, preventing the person to eat and perform daily routine activities). Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The final sample was comprised of 1,773 subjects, 935 (52.7%) females, an average of 40 years old. The prevalence of heartburn and regurgitation in the past 6 months was 26.2% (n=466) and 11.0% (n=196), respectively. Women presented higher prevalence (heartburn n=266, 28.5% and regurgitation n=119, 12.7%) than men (n=200, 23.1% and n=78, 8.9%, respectively) (P<0.05). Heartburn in the past week was reported by 175 individuals (9.8%), while regurgitation episodes by 67 (3.8%). Absence of impact of the symptom in the overall well-being was observed for 82 subjects (17.6%) with heartburn and 18 individuals (9.2%) with regurgitation. Very intense impact was reported by 46 subjects (9.8%) with heartburn and 41 (20.9%) with regurgitation. Women's well-being was more affected than men's (mean score 5.45 vs 4.71, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Heartburn and regurgitation were frequent symptoms, women with higher prevalence. These symptoms led to a substantial impact on individuals' well-being, women being more affected.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Pirose e regurgitação ácida são sintomas típicos usualmente relacionados à doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE). A DRGE é um dos diagnósticos gastrointestinais com maior prevalência mundial, afetando significativamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Analisar o impacto de sintomas relacionados à DRGE em uma amostra da população brasileira urbana. MÉTODOS: Inquérito nacional via telefone com indivíduos brasileiros em contexto comunitário. O inquérito foi conduzido entre 6 de agosto e 12 de setembro de 2018. A prevalência autorrelatada e a frequência dos sintomas foram avaliadas. Os respondentes classificaram o impacto dos sintomas no seu bem-estar geral utilizando uma escala numérica de 1 a 10 (1 = ausência de impacto; 10 = impacto muito grave, impedindo a pessoa de comer ou realizar atividades da vida diária). Análises estatísticas descritivas e bivariadas foram conduzidas. RESULTADOS: A amostra final foi constituída por 1.773 indivíduos, 935 (52,7%) mulheres, com idade média de 40 anos. A prevalência de pirose e regurgitação nos últimos 6 meses foi de 26,2% (n=466) e 11,0% (n=196), respectivamente. Sexo feminino (pirose n=266, 28,5% e regurgitação n=119, 12,7%) apresentou prevalência mais alta do que o masculino (n=200, 23,1% e n=78, 8,9%, respectivamente) (P<0,05). Pirose na última semana foi relatada por 175 indivíduos (9,8%), enquanto episódios de regurgitação por 67 (3,8%). Ausência de impacto dos sintomas no bem-estar geral dos indivíduos foi observada para 82 respondentes (17,6%) com pirose e 18 (9,2%) daqueles com regurgitação. Impacto muito grave foi reportado por 46 (9,8%) indivíduos com pirose e 41 (20,9%) com regurgitação. Sexo feminino foi mais afetado pelos sintomas do que o masculino. CONCLUSÃO: Pirose e regurgitação foram bastante frequentes sendo o sexo feminino mais afetado. Tais sintomas levaram a impacto no bem-estar dos indivíduos, com maior prejuízo para mulheres.

Prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a rural Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Studies on frequency and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the rural Indian population are scanty. METHODS: This household survey was undertaken by the trained interviewers in the adult population (≥ 18 years) in four villages in northern India using translated-validated Enhanced Asian Rome III and hospital anxiety and depression questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 2774 subjects, 2019 (72.8%) had no heartburn. Heartburn frequency was as follows: 314 (11.3%) once/week, 143 (5.2%) twice/week, 85 (3.1%) thrice/week, 69 (2.5%) four times/week, 48 (1.7%) five times/week, 18 (0.6%) six times/week, 41 (1.5%) daily, 37 (1.4%) > once daily. A total of 298 (10.7%) had GERD (definition: heartburn > twice/week). Older age (36.5 vs. 35 years), non-Hindu religion (7, 2.4% vs. 30, 1.2%), lower education (127, 42.6% vs. 789, 31.9%), lower socioeconomic class (94, 31.5% vs. 517, 20.9%) and income (below Indian National Rupees [INR] 458; 105, 35.2% vs. 599, 24.2%), non-vegetarian diet (15, 5% vs. 105, 4.2%), intake of tea/coffee (260, 87.2% vs. 1687, 68.1%), carbonated soft drinks (216, 72.5% vs. 1234, 49.8%), and alcohol (48, 16.1% vs. 313, 12.6%), tobacco chewing (116, 38.9% vs. 681, 27.5%), and smoking (105, 35.2% vs. 672, 27.1%) were associated with GERD on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% CI 0.88-1.71), predominant rice eating (1.13; 0.74-1.74), tobacco chewing and smoking (1.68; 1.24-2.30 and 1.36; 0.99-1.88), and alcohol (1.2; 0.78-1.83) and carbonated soft drinks (2.48; 1.79-3.44) intake were associated with GERD. A total of 122 (41%) had associated functional dyspepsia. Psychological comorbidities were commoner among those with than without GERD. CONCLUSION: In this rural Indian population, 10.7% had GERD and predominant rice eating, tobacco chewing, and carbonated soft drink intake were the risk factors. Psychological comorbidities were common.

An Increasing Incidence of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders Over 23 Years: A Prospective Population-Based Study in Sweden.

INTRODUCTION: We hypothesized that the prevalence of functional dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease in the community may be increasing. METHODS: Randomly selected adults were surveyed on 4 occasions: 1988 (n = 1,151, 21-79 years, response rate [rr] = 90%), 1989 (n = 1,097, 22-80 years, rr = 87%), 1995 (n = 1,139, 20-85 years, rr = 76%), and 2011 (n = 1,175, 20-93 years, rr = 63%). RESULTS: In functional dyspepsia, the odds of postprandial distress syndrome tripled over 23 years' follow-up (odds ratio [OR]: 3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.60-4.84, mixed-effect regression analysis), whereas a small decrease in epigastric pain syndrome was observed (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-1.00). The odds of reporting gastroesophageal reflux disease doubled (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.50-2.73). DISCUSSION: The underlying mechanisms behind the increase in postprandial distress syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease remain to be determined.

Identification of Different Phenotypes of Esophageal Reflux Hypersensitivity and Implications for Treatment.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Reflux hypersensitivity (RH), a functional esophageal disorder, is detected in 14%-20% of patients who present with typical esophageal symptoms. As many as 40% of patients with RH do not respond to treatment with pain modulators or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs); behavior disorders might contribute to lack of treatment efficacy. We aimed to assess the prevalence of behavioral disorders and their effects on typical reflux symptoms in patients with RH. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 542 patients with PPI-refractory esophageal symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, or chest pain) or with symptoms that responded to PPI therapy, evaluated for anti-reflux surgery from January 2016 through August 2019 at a single center in London, United Kingdom. We collected data on symptoms, motility, and impedance-pH monitoring and assigned patients to categories of RH (n = 116), functional heartburn (n = 126), or non-erosive reflux disease (n = 300). RESULTS: Of the 116 patients with a diagnosis of RH, 59 had only hypersensitivity, whereas 57 patients (49.2%) had either excessive supragastric belching (SGB, 39.7%), based on 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring, or rumination (9.5%), based on postprandial manometry combined with impedance. The prevalence of SGB and rumination in patients with RH was significantly higher than in patients with functional heartburn (22%; P < .001). Patients with RH and rumination were significantly younger (P = .005) and had the largest number of non-acid reflux episodes (P = .023). In patients with RH with SGB, SGB episodes were associated with 40.6% of marked reflux symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, or chest pain), based on impedance-pH monitoring. In patients with RH and rumination, 40% of reflux-related symptoms (mostly regurgitation) were due to possible rumination episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of patients with a diagnosis of RH have behavior disorders, including excessive SGB or rumination. Episodes of SGB or rumination are associated with typical reflux symptoms. Segregation of patients with diagnosis of RH into those with vs without behavioral disorders might have important therapeutic implications.

Risk Factor Profiles Can Distinguish Esophageal Adenocarcinoma From Barrett's Esophagus.

INTRODUCTION: It is assumed that screening risk factors for Barrett's esophagus (BE) and prevalent esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are the same. METHODS: A matched case-control study comparing risk factors between EAC and BE was performed. RESULTS: In 1,356 patients (678 with EAC and 678 with BE), heartburn (52.7%), diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and metabolic syndrome were less common in EAC (52.7, 29.2, 45.7, 48.2, 12, and 28.5%, resp.) compared with BE (84.5, 37.6, 82.2, 64.6, 18.4, and 44.1%, P < 0.01). Mean alanine aminotransferase and HgA1c levels were also significantly lower in EAC compared with BE. DISCUSSION: Optimal strategies for screening for prevalent EAC may be different than that for BE.

Short Meal-to-Bed Time Is a Predominant Risk Factor of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Short meal-to-bed time (MTBT) has been reported to relate to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but evidence is lacking in pregnant women. We aimed to assess the characteristics of GERD and the association between MTBT and GERD during pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 pregnant women aged 18 years and older visiting the antenatal clinic of Gia-Dinh People's Hospital, Vietnam. GERD was defined as having troublesome heartburn and/or regurgitation at least once a week. Reflux-related insomnia was defined as having difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep through the night. MTBT was defined as "short" if it was ≤2 hours in more than two thirds of days in a week. RESULTS: There were 154 (38.5%) patients with GERD and 20 (13.0%) patients with reflux-related insomnia. In multivariate analysis, there were 3 factors significantly associated with GERD: third trimester [odds ratio (OR)=1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.69], previous history of typical reflux symptoms (OR=9.05; 95% CI: 5.29-15.50), and short MTBT (OR=12.73; 95% CI: 2.92-55.45). The frequency of reflux symptoms progressively increased across subgroups of patients with no short MTBT, either daytime or nighttime short MTBT, and with both daytime and nighttime short MTBT. Nighttime MTBT was also a significant risk factor for reflux-related insomnia (OR=4.60; 95% CI: 1.64-12.92). CONCLUSIONS: We reported for the first time that short MTBT was a predominant risk factor of GERD in pregnancy. This dieting habit was significantly associated with reflux symptom frequency and reflux-related insomnia.

Acute Effects of Red Chili, a Natural Capsaicin Receptor Agonist, on Gastric Accommodation and Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Healthy Volunteers and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients.

The effects of chili on gastric accommodation (GA) in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients have not been explored. METHODS: In total, 15 healthy volunteers (HV) and 15 pH-positive non-erosive GERD (NERD) patients underwent single-photon emission computed tomography after ingesting 2 g of chili or placebo in capsules in a randomized double-blind crossover fashion with a one-week washout period. GA was the maximal postprandial gastric volume (GV) after 250 mL of Ensure® minus the fasting GV. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated by using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: NERD patients but not HV had significantly greater GA after chili compared to a placebo (451 ± 89 vs. 375 ± 81 mL, p < 0.05). After chili, the postprandial GVs at 10, 20, and 30 min in NERD patients were significantly greater than HV (10 min, 600 ± 73 vs. 526 ± 70 mL; 20 min, 576 ± 81 vs. 492 ± 78 mL; 30 min, 532 ± 81 vs. 466 ± 86 mL, all p < 0.05). In NERD, chili was associated with significantly less satiety, more severe abdominal burning (p < 0.05), and a trend of more severe heartburn (p = 0.06) compared to the placebo. In HV, postprandial symptoms after chili and placebo ingestion were similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chili enhanced GA in NERD patients but not in HV. This suggests that the modulation of GA in NERD is abnormal and likely involves transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) sensitive pathways.

Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of Barrett esophagus in Vietnamese patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

The current barrier for investigation of Barrett esophagus (BE) in Asia is diagnostic standardization, which is a challenge to identify its true risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of BE in Vietnamese patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.A cross-sectional study was conducted on consecutive outpatients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia (ESEM) which was clearly visible at least 1 cm above the gastroesophageal junction at endoscopy was taken biopsy. At least 1 biopsy per 2 cm in tongues of ESEM and 4 biopsies per 2 cm of circumferential ESEM were taken. The diagnostic criterion for BE was replacement of the normal squamous epithelial lining by columnar epithelium confirmed by histology.A total of 1947 patients were recruited. Forty-seven out of 58 patients with ESEM were histologically confirmed BE. The prevalences of BE and hiatal hernia (HH) were 2.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-3.1%) and 2.3% (95% CI, 1.6-2.9%), respectively. Heartburn and/or regurgitation presented in only 61.7% (95% CI, 46.4-75.5%) of patients with BE. In multivariate analysis, the only 2 factors significantly associated with BE were HH (OR 7.53; 95% CI, 3.13-18.11; P < .001) and typical reflux symptom (OR 2.07; 95% CI, 1.12-3.83; P = .020).BE is not uncommon in Vietnamese patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition, typical reflux symptoms and HH are the risk factors for BE in Vietnamese.