Prevalence and associated features of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in a Caucasian-predominant adolescent school population.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of esophageal symptoms and associated symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in 14-18 year-old high school students and the percentage of symptomatic adolescents who saw a physician or received medications.


METHODS
A cross-sectional questionnaire administered to students at two high schools.


METHODS
1,286 completed questionnaires were analyzed. The study sample consisted of 57% Caucasians and 57% males, with a mean age of 15.7 (+/-1.3) years.


METHODS
No intervention was used. Participants completed questionnaires only.


RESULTS
714 students (56%) reported at least one esophageal or respiratory symptom. Esophageal symptoms reported were: heartburn (22%), regurgitation (21%), and dysphagia (15%). Respiratory symptoms reported were: shortness of breath (24%), wheezing (20%), and cough (18%). Students with at least one esophageal symptom were more likely to experience at least one respiratory symptom than were students with no esophageal symptoms (52% vs. 25%; p < 0.001). Cigarette, alcohol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use were risk factors for both respiratory and esophageal symptoms. Of those experiencing one or more of these symptoms, 4% reported that the symptoms affected their daily activities, 23% visited a physician, and 25% took medication in the past year.


CONCLUSIONS
Esophageal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are frequent in adolescents. Fewer than 25% of students with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms consulted a physician and/or took medications.
Gunasekaran
T S
TS
Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital, 1775 Dempster Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068, USA. TS.Gunasekaran-MD@advocatehealth.com
Dahlberg
Mary
M
Ramesh
Priya
P
Namachivayam
Ganesh
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002641:Chicago / Q000453:epidemiology; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006356:Heartburn / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology; D012574:Schools; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal