RESUMEN
Background and Aim: association between gastroesophageal reflux [GER] and respiratory diseases has been known for a long time. There are few epidemiological studies on general population in the world, and little is known about a possible association between respiratory symptoms and reflux in Iran
Method: a sample of 5492 adults [more than 20 years old] was randomly selected for the study, from them 4762 subjects agreed to take part [86.7%]. The medical students interviewed all of the subjects
Results: the prevalence of monthly reflux symptoms and active asthma were 25.5% and 6.7% respectively. The correlation between reflux and asthma had a confidence interval of [2.60-3.43] and an odds ratio of 2.99. The correlation between chronic bronchitis and reflux had a confidence interval of [1.43-2.58] and an odds ratio of 1.92
Conclusion: these findings indicates that epigastric pain in many asthmatic and chronic bronchitis patients may be due to reflux
RESUMEN
Background and aim: the main items which are evaluated in a GI disorder or diarrheal state are frequency of defecation, stool weight, stool consistency and presence of inflammatory cells in the stool. The aim of this study was to find the normal range of the mentioned variables so that could help to differentiate between healthy persons and patients
Methods: the sample consisted of 1000 healthy persons among attendants of Shahrekord health centers. After explaining the method, they were requested to collect a 24-48 hours stool specimen in special containers. Carmen was used as beginning marker and activated charcoal used as end of the period marker. The variables of each stool were written down in a questionnaire. The SSPS software was used for analyzing the data by regression and t-test
Results: the mean daily stool weight of the sample was found to be 349+/-131 gr. On average the frequency of defecation was 1.5 times a day and the intestinal transit time was estimated to be about 12.5 hours. Stool weight had a significant correlation with gender, body weight, age, amount of bread consumed daily and defecation frequency [P<0.005]
Conclusion: based on the results the diarrheal criteria for Iranian population are different from what mentioned in the reference books for western population. This is significant, especially for stool weight. More studies are necessary to find out definitive criteria of diarrhea for Iranian population