Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Symptoms consistent with GERD occur in more than one third of the American adults on a monthly basis and weekly in as many as 10%, while 4-10% on daily basis
OBJECTIVE:
To survey the prevalence of symptoms of GERD in a sample of healthy Iraqi population sample.
METHOD:
Prospective study from Jan 2000- Jun 2000 at the deferent wards of Al-Yarmook teaching hospital, Baghdad.
Questionnaires were distributed to 950 healthy persons of different age group attending Al-Yarmouk teaching or visiting their patient at the hospital.
The questionnaire included:
Taking full history of symptoms suggestive of GERD, including habits and Body Mass Index.
RESULTS:
Heartburn was experienced by 239 (40.6%) once or more in their life, 30.6% on monthly basis, 11% on weekly basis, 8.3% on daily basis.6.2% of the respondents fulfill the criteria of the European expert panel (EPAGE) criteria for diagnosis of symptomatic GERD.
CONCLUSION:
Symptomatic GERD is common in our population.
Chronic duration of the illness was recognized in one third of them predisposing them to the risk of barrett’s esophagus.
Early referral is indicated for better diagnosis to prevent serious complications