ASSOCIATION OF FOOD AND DRINKS WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX SYMPTOMS IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is a common GI disorder. We reported a prevalence of 38% of esophageal GER symptoms among adolescents and found that cigarette smoking, alcohol, and NSAIDs were risk factors for these symptoms. Now we are analyzing if certain foods and drinks are associated with GER symptoms. Aim: To find out the association between GER symptoms and spicy foods, citrus fruit drinks, chocolate drinks, and 12 caffeinated and 15 non-caffeinated carbonated drinks. To confirm if NSAIDs, alcohol, caffeine use, and smoking are risk factors. Method: A cross sectional survey was given to 14-18 year old students. The survey had questions on presence of esophageal (heartburn, regurgitation and dysphagia) and respiratory (cough and shortness of breath) symptoms of GER over the past year and intake of above mentioned food and drinks. Data was analyzed by chi square. Results: 1082 surveys received. Mean age 15.5 years, 51% female, Ethnic distribution 41.5% Caucasians, 29.2% Asians, 11.1% Hispanics, 5.8% African Americans, and 12.4% others. GER symptom prevalence was 51%. Sex and ethnic differences for GER symptoms were not significant. Adolescents drinking coffee, certain caffeinated, carbonated drinks (Barq's Root Beer, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, and cola) and certain caffeine-free carbonated drinks (Diet Rite, Sprite, Caffeine Free Coke, Barq's Root Beer, and A&W Root Beer) were found to have significant association with GER symptoms (p < 0.05). Tea, spicy foods, citrus fruit drinks, and chocolate drinks were not associated with GER symptoms. Esophageal symptoms were associated with fewer carbonated drinks than respiratory symptoms. As we showed earlier, NSAIDs (p < 0.001), alcohol (p = 0.003) and cigarette smoking (p < 0.001) were again found to have significant association with GER symptoms. Conclusion: Coffee, 4/12 carbonated, caffeinated drinks and 5/15 carbonated caffeine free drinks were found to be associated with GER symptoms. Cigarette smoking, alcohol, and NSAIDs use were significant for GER symptoms as shown earlier.