Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as heartburn, is a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation (esophagitis). This leads to a burning pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen and chest. If left untreated, GERD can cause scarring and precancerous changes of the esophagus (Barrett's syndrome) that can progress into esophageal cancer. GERD is the third most common gastrointestinal disorder in the US. Now research reports that 25 percent of people in Western countries report symptoms of heartburn at least once a month.
The study, published in The Lancet, reviewed studies to determine the prevalence of heartburn. Researchers at the McMaster University Medical Centre, in Ontario, Canada, reviewed 31 heartburn studies published worldwide.
The researchers found that heartburn is more common in Western countries than other countries. Twenty five percent of people in Western countries, as compared to 11 percent of people in eastern Asian countries, report having heartburn at least once a month. Findings also revealed that 12 percent of people living in Western countries and 4 percent of people in Eastern Asian countries report heartburn symptoms weekly. Furthermore, 5 percent of people in Western countries and 2 percent of people in eastern Asian countries report heartburn symptoms daily
"Transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter is believed to be the primary mechanism of the disease although the underlying cause remains uncertain," the study authors write. "Obesity and smoking are weakly associated with the disease and genetic factors might be important."
REFERENCES:
1. Moayyedi P and Talley NJ. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Lancet 2006 Jun 24;367(9528):2086-100.
Posted by Brad Chase on November 17, 2006 10:40 AM
