Authors: Wang JH, Luo JY, Dong L, Gong J, Tong M.

Institution: Department of Gastroenterology, Second Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China. jinhaiwang@hotmail.com

Aims: 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 2789 residents aged 18-70 years in Xi'an by using a standardized questionnaire.

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.

Study link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15162542&dopt=Citation

• Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux
• Epidemiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: a General Population-Based Study in Xi'an of Northwest China
• Impact of Coexisting Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Symptoms and Pathophysiological in Functional Dyspepsia
• Overlapping Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients with Constipation or Diarrhea