Prevalence and clinical characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease and reflux esophagitis in chuncheon city-Health care examination study / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aims of this study were to estimate the frequency of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and reflux esophagitis, to evaluate the difference in characteristics among groups subdivided by symptoms, and to compare clinical features between a reflux esophagitis group and a non reflux esophagitis group in Chuncheon City. METHODS: A total of 1,011 persons who underwent endoscopy for health check up were enrolled between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006. All persons were given a validated, self reported questionnaire, which inquired about the presence, frequency, and severity of typical symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) and atypical symptoms. The questionnaire also inquired about smoking, alcohol intake, and Helicobacter pyroli eradication. The subjects were subdivided into typical symptomatic, atypical symptomatic, no discomfort, and asymptomatic groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of heartburn and acid regurgitation occurring at least weekly was 7.5%. Reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernia, smoking, and alcohol intake were more common in males (p<0.05). Ninety eight cases (9.7%) were endoscopically diagnosed as reflux esophagitis, and sixty nine cases (6.8%) were endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia (ESEM). Subjects in the symptomatic group more frequently manifested reflux esophagitis than subjects in the asymptomatic group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of reflux induced symptoms is related to reflux esophagitis, but the intensity and frequency of symptoms are poor predictors of the presence or severity of endoscopic mucosal breaks.