Epidemiological Studies and Risk Factor Analysis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases in Xiamen City: a Cross-sectional Study
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition characterized by the reflux of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus, primarily manifested by symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn. GERD significantly affects patients' daily lives and health-related quality of life. Prolonged gastroesophageal reflux can lead to repeated irritation of the esophageal mucosa by gastric acid and acidic gastric contents, resulting in the replacement of normal squamous epithelium in the lower esophagus with metaplastic columnar epithelium. This pathological change, known as Barrett's Esophagus (BE), is considered a precancerous lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• All patients had experienced typical reflux symptoms, i.e., mild heartburn and/or regurgitation symptoms, for at least 2 days per week or moderate/severe reflux symptoms for more than 1 day per week during the previous 3 months and had upper endoscopy examinations in the previous month.
• Cooperate with the questionnaire survey.
• Volunteer and sign the informed consent form.
• Permanent residents in Xiamen.