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What is the epidemiology of GERD?

What is the epidemiology of GERD?

GERD is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, with a prevalence of approximately 20% of adults in western culture. A systematic review by El-Serag et al. estimated the prevalence of GERD in the US between 18.1% to 27.8%.

How common is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is very common, affecting up to 1 in 5 or more of adult men and women in the U.S. population. It also occurs in children. Although common, the disease often is unrecognized – its symptoms misunderstood.

What percentage of the population has GERD?

Researchers estimate that about 20 percent of people in the United States have GERD.

Why is GERD so prevalent?

One explanation for acid reflux becoming more common could be the increase in the number of overweight and obese people. Being overweight is a risk factor for acid reflux. Also, the singular patterns in women could be linked to the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), note the authors.

Which medications may increase the prevalence of GERD?

Certain medications (calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, anticholinergics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) more commonly taken by elderly patients can weaken lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone and also predispose them to GERD.

Which client is most likely to be at risk for developing gastroesophageal reflux disease?

GERD affects people of all ages—from infants to older adults. People with asthma are at higher risk of developing GERD. Asthma flare-ups can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach contents to flow back, or reflux, into the esophagus.

Who is more susceptible to GERD?

Anyone of any age can develop GERD, but some may be more at risk for it. For example, the chances you’ll have some form of GERD (mild or severe) increase after age 40. You’re also more likely to have it if you’re: Overweight or obese.

Who is susceptible to GERD?

Overview. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD affects people of all ages—from infants to older adults. People with asthma are at higher risk of developing GERD.

Who is more prone to GERD?

Is GERD more common in the US?

One of the biggest challenges in determining the number of people living with GERD is identifying who actually has the disease. Many people with GERD symptoms don’t consult a healthcare provider. A 2014 systematic review estimates from 15.1 to 30 percent[DS1] of the U.S. population has GERD.

Why do so many people today have reflux disorder?

Suggested causes of the rising incidence include shifts in diet toward fattier foods, higher rates of obesity and, oddly enough, aggressive treatment of ulcers. Scientists do not know why, but Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for most ulcers, appears to guard against reflux disease.

Why are elderly patients especially susceptible to GERD?

Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux are important mechanisms that are associated with more severe esophageal and extraesophageal complications of GERD in the elderly[12-13]. Obesity is a significant problem which increases acid reflux and thus increases GERD and its complications[24].

Is the epidemiology of gastro oesophageal reflux disease increasing?

Update on the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review GERD is prevalent worldwide, and disease burden may be increasing. Prevalence estimates show considerable geographic variation, but only East Asia shows estimates consistently lower than 10%. GERD is prevalent worldwide, and disease burden may be increasing.

Is the prevalence of Gerd increasing in North America?

Evidence suggests an increase in GERD prevalence since 1995 (p<0.0001), particularly in North America and East Asia. Conclusions: GERD is prevalent worldwide, and disease burden may be increasing. Prevalence estimates show considerable geographic variation, but only East Asia shows estimates consistently lower than 10%.

What is the treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Over the years, the mainstay in the management of GERD has been lifestyle modifications, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, medically refractory GERD is becoming increasingly common, requiring a tailored approach in the management of GERD.

What are the indirect costs of Gerd disease?

Perhaps the most significant expenses associated with a chronic condition such as GERD are the indirect costs of the disease. Indirect costs include decreased work productivity and time off work as well as a decrease in the quality of life of patients with GERD.

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Ruth Doyle