The Clinical Spectrum of Gastroesophagel Reflux Disease in Korea

Lee, Seong Hee; Choi, Myung Gyu; Park, Soo Heon; Choi, Hwang; Moon, Sung Bae; Choo, Kyo Young; Wang, Jun Ho; Kim, Jae Kwang; Choi, Kyu Yong; Chung, Kyu Won; Sun, Hee Sik

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: Heartburn, which was the most common symptom of reflux disease, was unreliably interpreted by Korean patients. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) in Korea.
METHODS
Patients who were diagnosed by an endoscopy or ambulatory pH monitoring at a tertiary medical facility were given a validated questionnaire and the clinical spectrums were prospectively investigated.
RESULTS
Seventy one patients were included. Heartburn was occurring in 39 patients and the frequency of heartburn on two or more days a week were found in only 12 patients. Negative impact of reflux symptoms on health related well being were found in 16 patients. The reflux related atypical symptoms were hoarseness(55%), globus sensation(45%), cough(25%), and chest pain(20%). Twenty two patients complained of epigastric pain or discomfort more than 6 times a year, with 13 patients listing abdominal pain as the most bothersome one. The clinical spectrums were not different between endoscopy negative patients and those with esophagitis.
CONCLUSIONS
Typical reflux symptoms are absent in a substantial proportion of Korean patients with GERD. True dyspepsia could result from gastroesophageal reflux. GERD needs to be clarified in patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms, cough or chest pain.