Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Work-Related Disease?

Abstract

Background: An occupation-related susceptibility of professional singers to experience gastroesophageal reflux has been suggested. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in a series of professional opera choristers, wind players, glassblowers and water polo players in comparison with a sample of general population. Subjects and Methods: A total of 202 professional opera choristers from well-known choirs in different Hungarian regions, 71 professional wind players, 43 glassblowers, 54 water polo players were identified and 115 control subjects were compared prospectively. Reflux symptoms together with selected individual characteristics and lifestyle habits were investigated in study groups through a reflux questionnaire. Results:Professional opera choristers reported a statistically significantly higher prevalence of heartburn, regurgitation and hoarseness than control subjects (p < 0.001). Among professional wind players, heartburn and regurgitation were significantly more frequent compared with controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Glassblowers reported a significantly higher prevalence of acid regurgitation in comparison with controls (p < 0.01). The prevalence of reflux symptoms in water polo players was similar to that of controls. In opera choristers, wind players and glassblowers, reflux symptoms appeared to be significantly correlated with the cumulative lifetime duration of professional singing, playing and working activity, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that professional opera choristers, professional wind players and glassblowers have a higher prevalence of reflux symptoms compared with control subjects. Gastroesophageal reflux in these professions should be considered as a work-related disorder that may have an impact on quality of life and may negatively interfere with professional performance.

Effect of Proton-Pump Inhibitor Therapy on Serum Chromogranin A Level

“…Although GERD’s pathophysiology is complex, the mainstay of therapy is a profound gastric acid inhibition with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) to achieve healing and to prevent complications [23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30]. As a consequence, a clinically important hypergastrinemia can evolve due to hypo/anacidity.…”

EAACI Position Paper on assessment of cough in the workplace

“…Although GERD symptoms can be aggravated by intense physical activity and high exposure to irritant substances, there is no evidence that work exposures can induce the development of GERD, with the exception of some specific occupations (i.e. professional singers, wind players and glass blowers) . Gastroesophageal reflux disease has been found to be one of the most frequently reported conditions among rescue and recovery workers of the World Trade Center, and high‐level irritant exposures might also trigger reflux as a cause of cough in this patient population .…”

“…Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common disorder in the general population. A range of symptoms other than heartburn and acid regurgitation can be associated with GERD, including CC . The causal relationship between GERD and work remains controversial.…”

Zapalne i nowotworowe zmiany błony śluzowej krtani w chorobie refluksowej

“…Dotyczy to na przykład śpiewaków operowych. Prowadzone są badania, które zmierzają do uznania choroby refluksowej za chorobę zawodową w tej grupie społecznej [11,12]. Jak podaje Cammarota, objawy choroby refluksowej mogą ulec nasileniu u piosenkarzy podczas występów [13].…”