ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: Heartburn, which was the most common symptom of reflux disease, was unreliably interpreted by Korean patients. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) in Korea. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed by an endoscopy or ambulatory pH monitoring at a tertiary medical facility were given a validated questionnaire and the clinical spectrums were prospectively investigated. RESULTS: Seventy one patients were included. Heartburn was occurring in 39 patients and the frequency of heartburn on two or more days a week were found in only 12 patients. Negative impact of reflux symptoms on health related well being were found in 16 patients. The reflux related atypical symptoms were hoarseness(55%), globus sensation(45%), cough(25%), and chest pain(20%). Twenty two patients complained of epigastric pain or discomfort more than 6 times a year, with 13 patients listing abdominal pain as the most bothersome one. The clinical spectrums were not different between endoscopy negative patients and those with esophagitis. CONCLUSIONS: Typical reflux symptoms are absent in a substantial proportion of Korean patients with GERD. True dyspepsia could result from gastroesophageal reflux. GERD needs to be clarified in patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms, cough or chest pain.
