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Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux: Incidence and precipitating factors

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Abstract

The incidence and precipitating factors associated with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux were evaluated by a questionnaire in 446 hospitalized and 558 nonhospitalized subjects. Of 385 control subjects 7% experienced heartburn daily, 14% noted heartburn weekly, and 15% experienced it once a month, giving a total of 36% of subjects having heartburn at least monthly. Daily heartburn occurred at a significantly greater (P<0.05) rate for 246 medical inpatients (14%) and for 121 patients seen in outpatient gastroenterological clinic (15%). Pregnant women seen in uncomplicated obstetrical clinic had symptoms of significantly greater (P<0.01) incidence: daily (25%) and at least once monthly (52%). Age, sex, or hospitalization did not significantly affect incidence. Fried foods, “spicy” foods, and alcohol were the most common precipitating factors.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology Division, Internal Medicine Service and Clinical Investigation Center, Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego, California

    Otto T. Nebel MC, USNR,  Michael F. Fornes MC, USN &  Donald O. Castell MC, USN

  2. National Naval Medical Center, 20014, Bethesda, Maryland

    Otto T. Nebel MC, USNR,  Michael F. Fornes MC, USN &  Donald O. Castell MC, USN

Authors
  1. Otto T. Nebel MC, USNR
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  2. Michael F. Fornes MC, USN
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  3. Donald O. Castell MC, USN
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Additional information

Supported by Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Clinical Investigation Program No. 5-05-530R.

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Nebel, O.T., Fornes, M.F. & Castell, D.O. Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux: Incidence and precipitating factors. Digest Dis Sci 21, 953–956 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01071906

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01071906

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