Prevalence, severity and associated features of gastro-oesophageal reflux and dyspepsia: a population-based study

Aims. To describe the prevalence and severity of dyspepsia and gastro-oesop hageal reflux in the community, to investigate their association with lifes tyle factors and to evaluate the consultation pattern for these conditions. Method. A previously validated questionnaire was posted to 1000 adults rand omly selected from the electoral rolls of the greater Wellington region. It investigated symptoms of dyspepsia, reflux, lifestyle and consultation pat tern over the previous twelve months. Results. Response rate was 81.7%. Prevalence of dyspepsia was 34.2%. Preval ence of reflux was 30%. The overall prevalence of both symptom groups combi ned was 45.2%. Most subjects had multiple symptoms. Results indicated 63% o f subjects with reflux also had symptoms of dyspepsia and 56% of subjects w ith dyspepsia showed symptoms of reflux. Although 69% of subjects with hear tburn used over-the-counter medications, only 17% consulted medical practit ioners. Current and ex-smokers had a higher prevalence of reflux. Dyspeptic symptoms were not associated with alcohol intake or aspirin use. Prevalenc e of dyspeptic symptoms did not change with increasing age. Conclusions. Dyspepsia is very common in the community. Significant overlap among the subgroups of dyspepsia makes a classification, based on symptoms alone, of questionable value. Frequency and severity of symptoms should be incorporated in the definition to exclude those subjects with trivial symp toms.