T S Gunasekaran1, Mary Dahlberg, Priya Ramesh, Ganesh Namachivayam. 1. Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital, 1775 Dempster Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068, USA. TS.Gunasekaran-MD@advocatehealth.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of esophageal symptoms and associated symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in 14-18 year-old high school students and the percentage of symptomatic adolescents who saw a physician or received medications. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional questionnaire administered to students at two high schools. PARTICIPANTS: 1,286 completed questionnaires were analyzed. The study sample consisted of 57% Caucasians and 57% males, with a mean age of 15.7 (+/-1.3) years. INTERVENTION: No intervention was used. Participants completed questionnaires only. RESULTS: 714 students (56%) reported at least one esophageal or respiratory symptom. Esophageal symptoms reported were: heartburn (22%), regurgitation (21%), and dysphagia (15%). Respiratory symptoms reported were: shortness of breath (24%), wheezing (20%), and cough (18%). Students with at least one esophageal symptom were more likely to experience at least one respiratory symptom than were students with no esophageal symptoms (52% vs. 25%; p < 0.001). Cigarette, alcohol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use were risk factors for both respiratory and esophageal symptoms. Of those experiencing one or more of these symptoms, 4% reported that the symptoms affected their daily activities, 23% visited a physician, and 25% took medication in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are frequent in adolescents. Fewer than 25% of students with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms consulted a physician and/or took medications.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of esophageal symptoms and associated symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in 14-18 year-old high school students and the percentage of symptomatic adolescents who saw a physician or received medications. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional questionnaire administered to students at two high schools. PARTICIPANTS: 1,286 completed questionnaires were analyzed. The study sample consisted of 57% Caucasians and 57% males, with a mean age of 15.7 (+/-1.3) years. INTERVENTION: No intervention was used. Participants completed questionnaires only. RESULTS: 714 students (56%) reported at least one esophageal or respiratory symptom. Esophageal symptoms reported were: heartburn (22%), regurgitation (21%), and dysphagia (15%). Respiratory symptoms reported were: shortness of breath (24%), wheezing (20%), and cough (18%). Students with at least one esophageal symptom were more likely to experience at least one respiratory symptom than were students with no esophageal symptoms (52% vs. 25%; p < 0.001). Cigarette, alcohol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use were risk factors for both respiratory and esophageal symptoms. Of those experiencing one or more of these symptoms, 4% reported that the symptoms affected their daily activities, 23% visited a physician, and 25% took medication in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are frequent in adolescents. Fewer than 25% of students with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms consulted a physician and/or took medications.
Authors: C D Rudolph; L J Mazur; G S Liptak; R D Baker; J T Boyle; R B Colletti; W T Gerson; S L Werlin Journal: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr Date: 2001 Impact factor: 2.839
Authors: A James Martin; Nicole Pratt; J Declan Kennedy; Philip Ryan; Richard E Ruffin; Helen Miles; John Marley Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2002-06 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Thirumazhisai Gunasekaran; Vasundhara Tolia; Richard B Colletti; Benjamin D Gold; Barry Traxler; Marta Illueca; Joseph A Crawley Journal: BMC Gastroenterol Date: 2009-11-18 Impact factor: 3.067