A Relationship Between GERD and Other Health Conditions?
GERD and Asthma
Hashem El-Serag, Sections of Gastroenterology and Health Services Research at the Houston Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, presented findings from the review of 29 studies that assessed the prevalence of GERD in individuals with asthma, or that of asthma in individuals with GERD. The review stated that in all studies, the average prevalence of GERD in individuals with asthma was 60.9%, compared with 39.5% in control groups. The average prevalence of asthma in patients with GERD was 4.6%, compared with 3.9% in control groups. It was concluded that patients with asthma have an increased risk of developing GERD. However, it remains unclear whether GERD precedes asthma or asthma precedes GERD.
GERD and IBS
Ana Ruigomez, Centro Espanol de Investigacion Farmacoepidemiologica (CEIFE), Madrid, Spain, presented findings from a population-based study evaluating the risk of IBS following a GERD diagnosis and the risk of GERD following an IBS diagnosis. Patients with a first diagnosis of GERD. The incidence of IBS per 1000 person-years was 14.5 in individuals with GERD, and 3.5 in those individuals without GERD. It was estimated the relative risk of developing IBS was 3.2% higher in GERD patients than those without GERD. The estimated relative risk of developing GERD was 2.8% higher in IBS patients than those without IBS. Researchers concluded that there is a link between the two morbidities that warrants further research.
GERD and other preexisting diseases
Peter Wahlqvist, AstraZeneca R&D, Molndal, Sweden, presented findings from a from the 2004 National Health and Wellness Survey. Those who participated in the survey had their self-reported symptoms of GERD age- and sex-matched to a control group without GERD symptoms. Those with GERD symptoms had a larger number of preexisting diseases, and a higher percentage of health-related reduced productivity while at work.
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Concerning these studies, Debra Silberg MD, PhD, Senior Director Clinical Research, AstraZeneca, stated: "The studies presented this week provide additional insight into who GERD affects and why, and point to various connections between GERD and other disease states. On the basis of these data, we are encouraged to further study the relationship between GERD and diseases such as asthma and IBS, and ultimately evaluate best courses for diagnosis and treatment."
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