Prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms and reflux-associated respiratory symptoms in asthma

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Table 1 Wording of description of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptoms

Symptom*	Description
Heartburn	Burning pain in chest or abdomen
Regurgitation	Episodes of bitter or sour fluid or food coming back to your mouth
Abdominal/chest pain	Upper abdominal pain or chest pain other than the burning pain in the chest or abdomen
Abdominal distension	Feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen
Dysphagia	Difficulty in swallowing
Cough	Episodes of cough during the day following a meal or at night or when you wake up
Belching	Episodes of wind coming up into your mouth

*Each symptom was asked in relation to meals using a 5-point Likert scale for frequency and a 4-point Likert scale for severity
e.g. for heartburn.
Do you have any episodes of burning pain in the chest or abdomen?.
1 no.
2 once a month.
3 two to three times a week.
4 once a week.
5 daily.
How much does this problem bother you?.
1 not at all.
2 mild discomfort, yet does not interfere with day-to-day activities.
3 moderate discomfort, interferes with day-to-day activities at least once a week.
4 severe discomfort, interferes with day-to-day activities and sleep more than once a week.

ISSN: 1471-2466