Gender differences in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic condition in the United States, affecting as many as 40% of adults. Although questionnaire-based studies have found the prevalence of the disease to be equal in men and women, the relative prevalence of GERD in males and females has yet to be established by quantitative, clinical evaluation. Moreover, preliminary research suggests that there are gender differences in the pathology and symptomatology of GERD, and the increased prevalence of GERD in pregnancy may indicate that sex hormones play a role in the disease. Additional research is necessary to confirm these findings.