Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a population-based cross-sectional study in southern Chile

Background

This study assessed the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a general adult population from Temuco in southern Chile. The association of GERD with demographic variables was also examined.

Methods

A cross-sectional study among the general population of Temuco in southern Chile was conducted in 2017, using a validated and reliable questionnaire for detecting GERD. The urban area of Temuco, with a population of 245,317 inhabitants (2002 census), was divided into four zones, which were representative of the socioeconomic sectors of the city. The sample size was estimated assuming a prevalence of 52.8%, an accuracy of 3.0%, a confidence level of 95.0%, and a design effect of 1.15. Area sampling was used to build clusters. The prevalence of GERD was determined and associated factors were studied by means of bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 1,069 subjects (47.9% women, median age 40 years) from the selected subareas were interviewed. The prevalence of GERD was 44.8%. The most frequently reported symptom was regurgitation (54.8%). One-third of subjects took medication to control symptoms and was considered 'sick' by the instrument, although >68% of them had never sought medical consultation. There was a significant association between GERD and age (P < 0.001) and female gender (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

In this population-based study, the prevalence of GERD was high (44.8%). GERD was associated with age and female gender.

Chest Pain: If It Is Not the Heart, What Is It?

Noncardiac chest pain is an angina-type discomfort without indication of ischemia. Diagnosis can be difficult because of its heterogeneous nature. Classification varies by specialty; gastroenterology uses the terminology gastroesophageal reflux disease related versus non-gastroesophageal reflux disease related. Other disciplines recognize noncardiac chest pain etiologies as having gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, or pulmonary/other as underlying etiologies. Diagnostics yield a specific cause for effective treatment, which is aimed at the underlying etiology, but it is not always possible. Some patients with noncardiac chest pain have comorbidities and ongoing pain that lead to decreased quality of life and continued health care use.

Prevalence of dental erosion among people with gastroesophageal reflux disease in China

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is typically diagnosed based on symptoms of regurgitation and heartburn, although it may also manifest as asthma-like symptoms, laryngitis, or dental erosion.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this prospective, cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of dental erosion in people with GERD and to evaluate the association between GERD and dental erosion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The presence, severity, and pattern of dental erosion was assessed in 51 participants with GERD and 50 participants without GERD using the Smith and Knight tooth wear index. Medical, dietary, and dental histories were collected by questionnaire. Factors potentially related to dental erosion, including GERD, were evaluated by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Dental erosion was observed in 31 (60.8%) participants with GERD and 14 (28%) participants without GERD. Bivariate analysis revealed that participants with GERD were more likely to experience dental erosion (crude odds ratio [cOR]: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.19, 6.32) than participants without GERD. Multivariate analysis also revealed that participants with GERD had a higher risk of dental erosion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.97; 95% CI: 1.45, 10.89). Consumption of grains and legumes, the most frequently consumed foods in China, did not correlate with dental erosion. However, carbonated beverage consumption was significantly associated with GERD and dental erosion (aOR: 3.34; 95% CI: 1.01, 11.04; P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

GERD was positively correlated with dental erosion. Carbonated beverage consumption can increase the risk of both GERD and dental erosion.