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Positive association between gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in a Chinese population
Author(s) -
CHEUNG T. K.,
LAM K. F.,
HU W. H. C.,
LAM C. L. K.,
WONG W. M.,
HUI W. M.,
LAI K. C.,
LAM S. K.,
WONG B. C. Y
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03304.x
Subject(s) - irritable bowel syndrome , medicine , heartburn , gastroenterology , reflux , gastro , population , disease , regurgitation (circulation) , gastrointestinal disorder , environmental health
Summary Background Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome are common diseases which may be related. Aim To examine the association between gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in Chinese population in Hong Kong. Methods Randomly selected ethnic Chinese were invited to participate in a telephone survey in 1996. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease was defined as subjects having heartburn and/or acid regurgitation once weekly or more. Irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed according to the Rome I criteria. The association between gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome was calculated using a statistical model which allows the odds ratio to be measured. Results One thousand six hundred and forty‐nine subjects completed the interview (response rate 62%). The population prevalence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome were 5% and 4%, respectively. Thirteen per cent of subjects with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and 11% with irritable bowel syndrome suffered from both gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The OR of having gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome together was estimated to be 3 (95% CI: 1.05, 6.27) indicating a positive association between the two diseases. This association occurred predominantly in male subjects [OR = 9.3, (95% CI: 2.3, 26.2)] but not as strong in females [OR = 1.5, (95% CI: 0.3, 4.3)]. Younger subjects were statistically more prone to the two diseases. Conclusions There is a positive association between gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome, and their association occurs predominantly in male subjects.