Symptoms of extraesophageal reflux in a community-dwelling sample.
OBJECTIVE
Extraesophageal reflux disease (EERD) is linked with serious and varied health concerns. The authors' goal was to determine the prevalence of EERD and the effect on health-related quality of life in adults within a large community-based sample.


METHODS
Survey study conducted in a community setting.


METHODS
In the Madison, Wisconsin area, 1845 adult subjects were surveyed. Main outcome measures were frequently of GERD and laryngeal symptoms, the Medical Outcomes Trust Short Form 12 (SF-12), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaires.


RESULTS
More than 66% of subjects reported either GERD or laryngeal symptoms, and 26% reported both GERD and laryngeal symptoms (which reflect symptoms commonly reported for EERD). In addition, 39% of our sample took medicine for heartburn. Forty-four percent of subjects with both GERD and laryngeal symptoms reported occasional breathing difficulties, and 38% of these subjects reported a voice disorder. Significant reductions in perceived quality of general health, digestive health, and voice-related quality of life were found in subjects with both GERD and laryngeal symptoms, in comparison with subjects manifesting each symptom group alone, or in subjects with no symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of GERD and laryngeal symptoms, and their concurrence, was identified in a substantial number of subjects. The GERD and laryngeal symptoms surveyed represent those most commonly reported for EERD. Because EERD has been linked with tissue damage and reductions in health-related quality of life, it is important to identify these persons and provide treatment before progression of the condition.
Connor
Nadine P
NP
Department of Communicative Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. connor@surgery.wisc.edu
Palazzi-Churas
Kerrin L P
KL
Cohen
Stacy B
SB
Leverson
Glen E
GE
Bless
Diane M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D014833:Voice Quality