Descriptive Study of Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) During the Last Six Months of 1404 at Khost Provincial Specialty Hospital

Background:

Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when gastric contents reflux into the esophagus beyond the normal physiological limit, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia, with or without mucosal injury. This study aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of GERD among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department of Khost Provincial Hospital. This descriptive, case-series study was conducted over six months, from 1 Mizan to 29 Hoot 1404. A total of 45,503 patients visited the hospital, of whom 1,602 were admitted to the Internal Medicine ward. Among these, 33 patients were diagnosed with GERD and included in the study. Data regarding demographics, residence, age distribution, risk factors, associated conditions, and complications were collected and analyzed descriptively. GERD accounted for 2% of total admitted cases. Of the 33 patients, 55% were male and 45% female. Regarding residence, 70% were from central districts and 30% from peripheral districts. By age distribution, 13% were under 20 years, 57% between 21–40 years, 21% between 41–60 years, and 9% were older than 60 years. Risk-factor assessment showed 5 patients with positive H. pylori, 8 smokers, and 2 patients using NSAIDs. Common symptoms included substernal burning in all patients, chronic cough and sore throat in 11 patients, epigastric pain in 8, dysphagia in 2, anorexia in 3, and nausea/vomiting in 1 patient. Associated conditions included gastric ulcers (4 patients), combined gastric and duodenal ulcer (1), and gastritis (7).

Keywords: Gastro esophageal reflux disease, Peptic ulcer disease, Gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs.