Consequences of frequent nocturnal gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease among employed adults: symptom severity, quality of life and work productivity

Summary Background Effects of frequent nocturnal symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD‐FNS) on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and work productivity are not well documented. Aim To assess symptom severity, production loss, and HRQOL among employed adults with and without GERD‐FNS. Methods Using several validated outcome measures in a web survey design, GERD was pre‐specified as GERD Symptom and Medication Questionnaire score >9, and ≥1 episode of heartburn or acid regurgitation during the preceding week. GERD‐FNS patients were those reporting ≥2 symptom‐nights during the previous week; their outcomes were compared with those of patients having minimal or no nocturnal symptoms (GERD‐NNS) and vs. non‐GERD controls. Results Data were collected from 1002 GERD patients (476 GERD‐FNS, 526 GERD‐NNS) and 513 controls. Severe symptoms were more common, sleep abnormalities were more frequent (P