Premium
Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children, adults, and elderly in the same community
Author(s) -
Okimoto Eiko,
Ishimura Norihisa,
Morito Yoshiya,
Mikami Hironobu,
Shimura Shino,
Uno Goichi,
Tamagawa Yuji,
Aimi Masahito,
Oshima Naoki,
Kawashima Kousaku,
Kazumori Hideaki,
Sato Shuichi,
Ishihara Shunji,
Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Publication year - 2015
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/jgh.12899
Subject(s) - gerd , medicine , reflux , heartburn , obesity , disease , regurgitation (circulation) , pediatrics , young adult , gastroenterology
Background and Aim The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) in adults is increasing in J apan as well as worldwide likely due to increasing obesity and the decreasing rate of H elicobacter pylori infection. However, data regarding the prevalence of GERD in children and adolescents in J apan are lacking. We investigated the prevalence of GERD in children, adults, and elderly living in the same community. Methods We surveyed employees of S himane U niversity H ospital and a related facility and their families using the G astroesophageal R eflux D isease Q uestionnaire ( GerdQ ) and I zumo Scale instruments with demographic information (age, sex, body height, and body weight) and information regarding concurrent medication being taken for GERD . The presence of GERD was defined as a GerdQ score of ≥ 8. Results A total of 1859 subjects (771 males, 1088 females; 6–96 years old) were eligible for assessment. The prevalence of GERD in those under 20 years old was 4.4%, which was approximately one third of the rate in adults (11.6%). GERD prevalence was closely associated with obesity in adults, but not in subjects under 20 years old. GERD and other gastrointestinal symptoms frequently overlapped in both adults and younger subjects. Conclusion We found that the prevalence of GERD in subjects under 20 years of age was lower than that in adults and not associated with obesity. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of symptoms such as heartburn and/or regurgitation when children and adolescents seek routine clinical care.