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Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia: A condition in evolution
Author(s) -
Ho Khek Yu
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05380.x
Subject(s) - disease , epidemiology , medicine , gerd , face (sociological concept) , reflux , intensive care medicine , pathology , social science , sociology
Widespread epidemiological changes, rising prevalence and gradual shifts in patterns of disease manifestations: this is the changing face of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Asia. Are we witnessing a disease in evolution or merely the result of increased and more accurate case reporting that comes with advancing diagnostic technology, better medical facilities and heightened awareness of the disease? Do the figures reported really reflect the actual scenario or is there more to it than meets the eye? In this article, we take you back in time to review relevant developments over the past decade or so. We will draw on findings from across Asia, take an in‐depth look at prevailing trends and patterns and examine some of the most plausible explanations behind the dynamics of this epidemiological transition.