Symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome are not related in sleep disorders center patients

Summary Background : Studies suggest obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) frequently manifests in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and that there may be a causal relationship. Aim : To determine the relationship between OSAS and symptoms of GERD. Methods : Consecutive patients referred to the Sleep Disorders Center (SDC) 18 years and older with polysomnographically defined OSAS were evaluated prospectively for GERD using a validated symptoms questionnaire. The GERD and OSAS relationship was assessed by 1) determining frequency of GERD in patients with and without OSAS; 2) ascertaining the relationship between OSAS severity categories and presence of GERD; 3) examining GERD score in relation to those factors that might affect both GERD and OSAS, e.g. obesity. Results : One thousand and twenty‐three SDC patients met entry citeria. Amongst participants, GERD was common (29% of women and 17% of males) and OSAS extremely common (58% of women and 80% of males). GERD score did not correlate with OSAS variables. The severity of OSAS did not influence the prevalence of GERD. Conclusion : In a large group of patients referred to a sleep disorders center, there was no relationship between OSAS and GERD symptoms. Also, there was no relationship between the severity of OSAS and the likelihood of GERD symptoms.