|
Changes in the occurrence of gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms in the population remain uncertain. Dr Eivind Ness-Jensen and colleagues from Sweden determined the prevalence changes, the incidence and the spontaneous loss of gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms. This population-based cohort study was conducted within the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (the HUNT study), a longitudinal series of population-based health surveys in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. The study base encompassed all adult residents in the county, and the participants reported the degree of gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms during the previous 12 months. The team evaluated 58,869 participants in 1995–7, and 44,997 in 2006–9.  | | Weekly gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms increased by 47% | | Gut |
Of these, 29,610 persons were prospectively followed up for an average of 11 years. Between 1995–7 and 2006–9, the prevalence of any, severe and at least weekly GORS increased by 30%, 24%, and 47%, respectively. The research team found that the average annual incidence of any and severe gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms was 3% and 0.2%, respectively. In women, but not men, the incidence of gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms increased with increasing age. The team found that the average annual spontaneous loss of any and severe gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms was 2% and 1.2%, respectively. The researchers observed that the spontaneous loss of gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms decreased with increasing age. Dr Ness-Jensen's team concluded, "Between 1995–7 and 2006–9 the prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms increased substantially." "At least weekly gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms increased by 47%." "The average annual incidence of severe gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms was 0.23%, and the corresponding spontaneous loss was 1.2%." "The incidence and spontaneous loss of gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms were influenced by sex and age."
| 
Email this page to a colleague
