title: Epidemiology of esophageal and supraesophageal reflux injuries.
abstract: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Despite its frequent occurrence, only a minority of patients seek medical attention, making it difficult to ascertain the true epidemiologic distribution of the disorder. A causal association between GERD and esophageal complications such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, and esophageal stricture is well accepted. Recent epidemiologic evidence suggests that GERD may likewise represent a risk factor for the development of supraesophageal conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, and even laryngeal cancer. Although epidemiologic associations do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, they may indicate potential etiologic risk factors. Nevertheless, confirmation of the causal role of GERD in supraesophageal disorders awaits further investigation.
authors.affiliation: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford Gastroenterology Associates, Ltd., 61107-5078, USA.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Johanson
mesh_terms: D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014456:Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology