Epidemiology of reflux symptoms and GORD.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs when reflux of gastric contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications (the Montreal definition). GORD is a common condition with a substantial economical burden to the community and it has a significant negative effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) while endoscopic findings like erosive oesophagitis per se seem to correlate badly with the experienced HRQoL. The prevalence of GORD varies over the world for unknown reasons, but genetic differences, difference in the Helicobacter pylori prevalence and life style factors like obesity might influence. The prevalence is lowest in East Asia (2.5-9.4%) and higher in Mid (7.6-19.4%) and Western Asia (12.5-27.6%). The highest population-based prevalence is reported from Europe (23.7%) and the US (28.8%). GORD seems to be fairly stable over time both in terms of symptoms and erosive oesophagitis, but the prevalence seems to be increasing both in Asia and in the West.