Gastroesophageal Reflux in Lockdown

Abstract

Aim: This study examines the changes in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom frequency among patients with GERD throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed among 198 GERD patients. The questionnaire consisted of a demographic characteristic assessment, the GerdQ questionnaire, and a reflux symptom index (RSI) questionnaire. Result & conclusion: A statistically significant increase in GerdQ score was identified among participants during the COVID-19 pandemic (t = 7.055, df = 209, p < 0.001), who had experienced an increase in the frequency of positive predictors of GERD and a decrease in the frequency of negative predictors of GERD. The COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown countermeasures may have led to exacerbating and worsening GERD symptoms.

The impact of COVID-19 on resident doctors as the frontline in health services

“…For example, stress and emotional states can affect gastrointestinal function leading to gastrointestinal disease [7]. Previous studies have shown that the factors associated with the incidence of GERD in resident doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic are the burden factors of education, diet, and psychosocial economy [21]. This study assessed the typical symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) and atypical symptoms (nausea, sleep disturbances at night, abdominal pain, and consumption of additional drugs) to determine the possibility of GERD.…”

COVID-19 and Its Sequelae Masquerading as Gastrointestinal Ailments: A Report of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Review of Recent Cases

“…In an Indonesian survey comprising 9,800 patients, it was found that there was an increased rate of GERD during the pandemic compared to the prepandemic period (67.9% vs. 61.8%, respectively, p<0.001) [12]. Other investigators attribute the worsening GERD symptoms to the restrictive lockdown measures during the pandemic [13]. New-onset GERD symptoms post-COVID-19 infection may last over a year and may persist for the long term [14].…”

Critical appraisal of how COVID-19 infection and imposed lockdowns have impacted gastroesophageal reflux: A review

“…[ 34 , 35 ] However, Only 1 study has examined the changes in GERD synonyms during the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown. [ 36 ]…”

“…This research [ 36 ] involved 210 people with preexisting GERD diagnoses and the findings highlighted a statistically significant increase in the frequency of GERD symptoms during the pandemic. Most participants in Al-Momani, Balawi, Almasri, AlGhawrie, Ibrahim, Adli, Balawi and Haj Mahmoud [ 36 ] study reported an increased frequency of heartburn and regurgitation during the pandemic, along with increased difficulties falling asleep and increased medicine need for their symptoms.…”

“…This research [ 36 ] involved 210 people with preexisting GERD diagnoses and the findings highlighted a statistically significant increase in the frequency of GERD symptoms during the pandemic. Most participants in Al-Momani, Balawi, Almasri, AlGhawrie, Ibrahim, Adli, Balawi and Haj Mahmoud [ 36 ] study reported an increased frequency of heartburn and regurgitation during the pandemic, along with increased difficulties falling asleep and increased medicine need for their symptoms. These findings are in line with those revealed by Oliviero, Ruggiero, D’Antonio, Gagliardi, Nunziata, Di Sarno, Abbatiello, Di Feo, De Vivo and Santonicola, [ 37 ] and Lee, Huo and Huang, [ 38 ] which found that some GI symptoms, such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, were exacerbated during COVID-19 lockdown.…”