Correlation of gastroesophageal reflux disease with positive family history and headache in Shiraz city, southern Iran.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the potential correlation of a positive family history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the history of headaches as a risk factor for and complication of the disease.

METHODS

Three thousand and six hundred subjects were selected by cluster random sampling from all seven districts of Shiraz city, who were invited for interview. In five months, 1956 subjects participated in this study. A questionnaire organized into three sections of demographic, signs and symptoms of GERD, headache and family history of GERD was completed for each patient. Social and demographic variables were also recorded.

RESULTS

The presence of GERD symptoms (72%) had a significant correlation with a positive family history of the disease ( P = 0.000). Patients showed a variable frequency of headache, ranging from once daily (16.7%), three to five times a week (5.6%), once-twice a week (26.7%), once to three times a month (15.0%) and less than once a month (8.3%). There was a significant correlation between the headaches and the GERD symptoms ( P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

A positive family history of GERD can be considered as a risk factor for the disease and the presence of headache at the time of diagnosis as a complication of this disease. Therefore, in the management of GERD, attention should be given to these factors.