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  • Title: Epidemiology and natural history of reflux disease.
    Author: Nandurkar S, Talley NJ.
    Journal: Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol; 2000 Oct; 14(5):743-57. PubMed ID: 11003807.
    Abstract:
    Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a highly prevalent condition in Western countries; at least 20% of the population have weekly symptoms. The incidence appears to be rising in the West and in some developing countries. Heartburn, based on a carefully elicited history, is reasonably specific for identifying GORD if it is a predominant complaint. Symptoms, however, appear to correlate poorly with oesophagitis; hence, severe symptoms do not indicate there is greater oesophageal damage. Only one-third to one-half of patients with GORD undergoing endoscopy have oesophagitis. GORD is usually a chronic disease but one-third may lose their symptoms over time. An ill-defined subset of patients over time may progress to develop abnormal acid exposure or oesophagitis, or both, when none existed at baseline. GORD has a significant negative impact on quality of life to the same degree as other chronic medical conditions, but impairment in quality of life is independent of oesophagitis.
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