Abstract
The incidence and precipitating factors associated with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux were evaluated by a questionnaire in 446 hospitalized and 558 nonhospitalized subjects. Of 385 control subjects 7% experienced heartburn daily, 14% noted heartburn weekly, and 15% experienced it once a month, giving a total of 36% of subjects having heartburn at least monthly. Daily heartburn occurred at a significantly greater (P<0.05) rate for 246 medical inpatients (14%) and for 121 patients seen in outpatient gastroenterological clinic (15%). Pregnant women seen in uncomplicated obstetrical clinic had symptoms of significantly greater (P<0.01) incidence: daily (25%) and at least once monthly (52%). Age, sex, or hospitalization did not significantly affect incidence. Fried foods, “spicy” foods, and alcohol were the most common precipitating factors.
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Supported by Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Clinical Investigation Program No. 5-05-530R.
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Nebel, O.T., Fornes, M.F. & Castell, D.O. Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux: Incidence and precipitating factors. Digest Dis Sci 21, 953–956 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01071906
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01071906