Epidemiology of GORD

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease - considered a common disease in the West.

The study of the epidemiology of GORD is restricted by the lack of consensus over the basic definition of the disease. To review the global epidemiology of GORD is currently problematic as there is no internationally applied definition.

An approximate prevalence of 10–20% was identified for GORD, defined by at least weekly heartburn and/or acid regurgitation in the Western world while in Asia this was lower, at less than 5%.

The disease is more common in the Western world than in Asia. This appears to be related to the high fat diet typically consumed by Westerners.

There is little difference between the prevalence of GORD (as defined by heartburn and/or acid regurgitation at least weekly) in North America (19.8–20%, n = 2) and in Europe (9.8–18%, n = 3). There is some indication that the prevalence may be lower in Southern than Northern Europe. There is a definite trend, however, towards a lower prevalence of GORD in Asia (2.5–4.8%, n = 2).

The incidence in the Western world was approximately 5 per 1000 person year. No data available from Asia. The low rate of incidence relative to prevalence reflects its chronicity.

Studies have shown a positive relationship between obesity and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms. This may explain the high prevalence of GORD in the USA compared with the rest of the world.

Contributed by John Lee

Sources:

http://gut.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/54/5/710
Dent J., El-Serag H.B., Wallander M-A. & Johansson S. 2005,
‘Epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review’, Gut 2005, 54:710-717.

http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic300.htm - Gastroesophageal Reflux