Comparative study of characteristics and disease management between subjects with frequent and occasional gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms

Abstract

SUMMARY BackgroundLittle is known about the distinctive characteristics of subjects with frequent (at least weekly) and occasional gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms.

Systematic review: frequency and reasons for consultation for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia

“…The largest of these (n = 5595) found that of the participants complaining of heartburn and ⁄ or acid regurgitation in the previous year (n = 1681) only 30% had consulted a physician about the problem. 19 Several other studies also reported consultation rates of about 30% per year. [20][21][22][23] A substantially higher consultation rate was found in a survey of 2000 individuals in Belgium.…”

“…In a qualitative, international survey of 164 individuals with GERD, one of the key factors that influenced consultation behaviour was whether the symptoms interfered with social activities. 8 A second survey also found that individuals who felt that their heartburn seriously hampered their daily lives were significantly more likely to consult 29 (n = 3151) Ho et al 21 (n = 696) Jafri et al 23 (n = 1267) Rey et al 22 (n = 2500) Johnston et al 30 (n = 217) Locke et al 25 (n = 1511) Nandurkar et al 31 (n = 242) Female gender Wong et al 27 (n = 2209) Kennedy and Jones 29 (n = 3151) Bretagne et al 19 (n = 5595) Ho et al 21 (n = 696) Rey et al 22 (n = 2500) Locke et al 25 (n = 1511) Johnston et al 30 (n = 217) Nandurkar et al 31 (n = 242) Socioeconomic status -Kennedy and Jones 29 (n = 3151) Ho et al 21 (n = 696) Higher education level Nandurkar et al 31 (n = 242) Rey et al 22 (n = 2500) Wong et al 27 (n = 2209) Professionally inactive Rey et al 22 (n = 2500) -Increased symptom frequency Rey et al 22 (n = 2500) Ho et al 21 (n = 696) Bretagne et al 19 (n = 5595) Locke et al 25 (n = 1511) Wong et al 27 (n = 2209) Nandurkar et al 31 (n = 242) Increased symptom severity Rey et al 22 (n = 2500) Nandurkar et al 31 (n = 242) Bretagne et al 19 (n = 5595) Ho et al 21 (n = 696) Wong et al 27 (n = 2209) Johnston et al 30 (n = 217) Presence of other symptoms Kennedy and Jones 29 (n = 3151) -Frank et al 61 (n = 2056) Impact of GERD on quality of life ⁄ daily living Bretagne et al …”

“…19 The reasons for consultation that were reported in this study were mainly related to the symptoms themselves, for example, frequency, pain and impact on daily living. A UK-based study of 217 individuals who experienced heartburn at least once a week also found that those who sought medical attention suffered from more severe heartburn (in terms of their symptoms interfering with activities) than those who did not consult (P < 0.00001).…”

“…Five studies found that consultation rates increased with age; 19,23,[29][30][31] however, in one study, this association was significant only in individuals with occasional reflux symptoms and not in those with frequent symptoms. 19 Further four studies found no evidence of an association between age and consultation behaviour.…”

“…Five studies found that consultation rates increased with age; 19,23,[29][30][31] however, in one study, this association was significant only in individuals with occasional reflux symptoms and not in those with frequent symptoms. 19 Further four studies found no evidence of an association between age and consultation behaviour. 21,22,25,27 A study in Spain found that individuals who were not subject to a work timetable were more likely to consult a physician about their reflux symptoms.…”