Researchers led by Dr. Myung-Gyu Choi of the Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, in Seoul performed a cross-sectional survey on randomly selected residents in Asan-Si, Korea.

The authors assessed chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, using a Rome II based questionnaire. Of the 1,807 eligible subjects, 1,417 were surveyed, with a face-to-face interview. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease -- defined as heartburn and/or acid regurgitation experienced at least weekly, was 3.5. The prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation was 11.7 percent.

Compared with those not having chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, subjects with GERD , uninvestigated dyspepsia and irritable bowel had significantly worse scores. The negative impact was greater in females, the elderly, subjects with low incomes, higher physician visits and overlapping symptoms, the study found.

Choi said it can be concluded that the quality of life was significantly impaired in subjects with gastroesophageal reflux disease, uninvestigated dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.

The findings were published in the Journal of Gastroenterology.