Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, are common afflictions within the general population. Both conditions have a considerable impact on the daily health related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected individuals. Risk factors surrounding any impaired HRQoL in patients with GERD involve those of younger age, obesity, an increase in reflux symptom frequency, and overlapping FGIDs. The risk factors for subjects experiencing an overlap in FGIDs and GERD involve those who are female, younger age, cigarette smoking, non-erosive reflux disease, more GERD symptoms, and psychological performances including anxiety, somatization, and more frequent healthcareseeking behavior. The overlap of GERD and FGIDs is associated with a worsening of both physical and mental health, an increase in bothersome symptoms, impaired functional capacity, and a higher likelihood of consulting a physician. Acid secretion suppressors could offer therapeutic efficacy to some patients experiencing overlapping GERD and FGIDs.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, are common afflictions within the general population. Both conditions have a considerable impact on the daily health related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected individuals. Risk factors surrounding any impaired HRQoL in patients with GERD involve those of younger age, obesity, an increase in reflux symptom frequency, and overlapping FGIDs. The risk factors for subjects experiencing an overlap in FGIDs and GERD involve those who are female, younger age, cigarette smoking, non-erosive reflux disease, more GERD symptoms, and psychological performances including anxiety, somatization, and more frequent healthcareseeking behavior. The overlap of GERD and FGIDs is associated with a worsening of both physical and mental health, an increase in bothersome symptoms, impaired functional capacity, and a higher likelihood of consulting a physician. Acid secretion suppressors could offer therapeutic efficacy to some patients experiencing overlapping GERD and FGIDs.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia (FD), and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) impact the daily lives of affected individuals. The aim of this study was to compare the risk factors and impacts on life quality of overlapping FD or PUD in patients with GERD. METHODS: Data from patients diagnosed with GERD were collected between January and November 2009. FD was defined using the Rome III diagnostic criteria. The overlapping GERD-FD or GERD-PUD groups were classified as concomitant GERD and FD or peptic ulcers. The characteristics of these individuals were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 63, 48, and 60 patients in the GERD only, overlapping GERD-FD, and overlapping GERD-PUD groups, respectively. Significantly younger age, female gender, lower body weight and body mass index, and higher rates of tea consumption were noted in the GERD-FD group. Patients in the GERD-FD group exhibited the lowest quality of life scores, both with respect to physical and mental health, on the Short Form 36 domains. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with concomitant GERD and FD were more likely to be younger and female. Overlapping GERD and FD had the worst impact on the quality of life of the affected individuals.
Adult ; Age Factors ; Dyspepsia/*complications ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux/*complications ; Humans ; Life Style ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peptic Ulcer/*complications ; Quality of Life ; Questionnaires ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between obesity and erosive esophagitis (EE) or Barrett's esophagus (BE) in a Chinese population. METHODS: Data from subjects were retrospectively collected from 2006 to 2009. Individuals with BE were identified and age- and sex-matched at a 1:2 ratio with normal esophagocardial junction and EE patients. The subjects were stratified into two groups: the normal weight group and overweight/obesity group (body mass index ≥25 mg/m²) or the normal waist group and abdominal obesity group (waist circumference ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women). RESULTS: Overall, 45%, 72%, and 52% were overweight/obese and 23%, 65%, and 18% had abdominal obesity in the normal, EE, and BE groups, respectively. Positive associations were identified between EE and overweight/obesity (odds ratio [OR], 3.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75 to 5.66) and abdominal obesity (OR, 6.22; 95% CI, 3.34 to 11.57); however, the associations were nonsignificant between BE and overweight/obesity (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.67 to 2.61) or abdominal obesity (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.73). Female BE patients had a significantly increased rate of being overweight/obese. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is a contributing factor in EE. The association of BE and obesity was not significant, with the exception of female BE cases.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Barrett Esophagus* ; Esophagitis* ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity* ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Retrospective Studies