Positive association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in a Chinese population.
BACKGROUND
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome are common diseases which may be related.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in Chinese population in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Randomly selected ethnic Chinese were invited to participate in a telephone survey in 1996. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was defined as subjects having heartburn and/or acid regurgitation once weekly or more. Irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed according to the Rome I criteria. The association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome was calculated using a statistical model which allows the odds ratio to be measured.


RESULTS
One thousand six hundred and forty-nine subjects completed the interview (response rate 62%). The population prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome were 5% and 4%, respectively. Thirteen per cent of subjects with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and 11% with irritable bowel syndrome suffered from both gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The OR of having gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome together was estimated to be 3 (95% CI: 1.05, 6.27) indicating a positive association between the two diseases. This association occurred predominantly in male subjects [OR = 9.3, (95% CI: 2.3, 26.2)] but not as strong in females [OR = 1.5, (95% CI: 0.3, 4.3)]. Younger subjects were statistically more prone to the two diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a positive association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome, and their association occurs predominantly in male subjects.
Cheung
T K
TK
Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Lam
K F
KF
Hu
W H C
WH
Lam
C L K
CL
Wong
W M
WM
Hui
W M
WM
Lai
K C
KC
Lam
S K
SK
Wong
B C Y
BC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires