65% of Asians suffering from gastro disease

About 65 percent of Asians suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease are not aware of their condition even as GERD can lead to cancer in extreme cases, a regional survey showed.

The Asian Burning Desire Survey showed that many of these GERD patients have already visited doctors, but were still not told about their condition. This is because the physicians themselves lack awareness about the disease.

The survey covered a total of 1,020 GERD patients in the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. It was conducted by TNS Healthcare under the sponsorship of AstraZeneca pharmaceutical firm.

According to professor Benjamin CY Wong of the Department of Medicine in the University of Hong Kong, it is important for both patients and doctors to understand GERD.

"Without proper diagnosis and management, GERD negatively impacts on many aspects of life and the survey shows that about 50 percent of patients suffer sleep problems, which can affect both productivity at work and leisure," Wong said.

The survey showed that 60 percent of GERD patients "felt unwell, avoided certain food and drink, felt tired and anxious." Sleep disturbances significantly impacted on GERD patients’ productivity and leisure time.

To establish a more effective diagnosis and management of GERD in Asia, an international consensus group of 44 experts from 18 countries have launched the "New Montreal Definition of GERD."

GERD is now defined as "a condition that develops when reflux of stomach content causes troublesome symptoms and complications."

Dr. Jose Sollano, former president of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, said GERD is characterized by the flow back of stomach contents into the esophagus, causing a patient to experience a bitter or sour taste in the back of their throat. — Sheila Crisostomo