PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Harley Liker
AU  - Pali Hungin
AU  - Ingela Wiklund
TI  - Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Primary Care: The Patient Perspective
AID  - 10.3122/jabfm.18.5.393
DP  - 2005 Sep 01
TA  - The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
PG  - 393--400
VI  - 18
IP  - 5
4099  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/18/5/393.short
4100  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/18/5/393.full
SO  - J Am Board Fam Med2005 Sep 01; 18
AB  - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disease that affects up to 20% of the population of Western countries and accounts for around 5% of a primary-care physician’s workload. A better understanding of how GERD affects many aspects of patients’ lives may aid the management of patients in primary care. We conducted a systematic review of the effect of GERD on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the primary-care setting and in the community. Validated questionnaires have shown that GERD patients consulting in primary care experience substantial reductions in both physical and psychosocial aspects of HRQL, as well as work productivity. Impairments in HRQL are seen whether or not reflux esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus is present on endoscopy, and are comparable with or worse than those seen in patients with other chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Surveys in primary care and in the community highlight disrupted sleep, reduced concentration at work, and interference with physical activities such as exercise, housework, and gardening. Psychosocial aspects of patient well-being are also impaired, including enjoyment of social gatherings, intimacy, sex, and many individuals with GERD remain worried about the underlying cause of their symptoms. In conclusion, many aspects of HRQL are impaired in GERD patients. The primary-care physician is uniquely placed to assess and address the impact of GERD on patients’ lives.