Study of Non-Specific Symptoms of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease: A Population-based Study

Introduction: Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder all over the world. Some patients with GERD have no symptoms while others may have non-specific symptoms. The aim of this study was to define the frequency of non- specific symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux and to determine the association of these symptoms with GERD in a population- based study. Methods: This cross-sectional and population- based study was conducted on 782 subjects who were randomly selected from 2 cities of Firoozkooh and Damavand in the northeast of Tehran province. The relationship between non-specific symptoms and GERD was assessed through Chi-square and the odds ratios (OR) with 95% of certainty levels were calculated for each symptom. Results: In this study 228 persons (29.2%) with GERD were diagnosed. The most common non-specific symptom in the subjects was abdominal pain with a distinct female preponderance. Globus sensation cough and dyspnea and halitosis were among the other symptoms having a direct relationship with GERD. No significant relationship was observed between age and non-specific symptoms of GERD . Conclusion: In sum this study showed the prevalence of non-specific symptoms which are strongly related to gastro esophageal reflux disease. Therefore considering these symptoms in diagnosis course of the disease seems necessary