摘要
The exact worldwide prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)re-mains uncertain,despite its recognition as a common condition.This conundrum arises primarily from the lack of a standardized definition for GERD.The gold standard diagnostic tests for GERD,such as pH impedance testing and endo-scopy,are cumbersome and impractical for assessing community prevalence.Consequently,most epidemiological studies rely on symptom-based screening tools.GERD symptoms can be both esophageal and extraesophageal,varying widely among individuals.This variability has led to multiple symptom-based definitions of GERD,with no consensus,resulting in prevalence estimates ranging from 5%to 25%worldwide.Most systematic reviews define GERD as experi-encing heartburn and/or regurgitation at least once weekly,yielding a calculated prevalence of 13.98%.In 2017,the global age-standardized prevalence of GERD was estimated at 8819 per 100000 people(95%confidence interval:7781-9863),a figure that has remained stable from 1990 to 2017.Prevalence increases with age,leading to more years lived with disability.GERD significantly impairs quality of life and can lead to multiple complications.Additionally,it imposes a severe economic burden,with the United States alone estimated to spend around 10 billion dollars annually on diagnosis and treatment.In summary,GERD preva-lence varies greatly by region and even within different areas of the same province.Determining the exact prevalence is challenging due to inconsistent diagnostic criteria.However,it is well-documented that GERD poses a significant global burden,affecting the quality of life of individuals and creating a substantial healthcare cost.
