Gastroesophageal refl ux disease and irritable bowel syndrome overlapping: unresolved issues
The review presents literature data concerning the rate and clinical features in cases of the gastroesоphageal refl ux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS )overlapping. The mean rate of GERD and IBS overlapping is 36–48 .8%, but in individual articles varies from 8–11% to 71–79%. A signifi cant variation in the rate is explained by diff erent approaches to the diagnosis of GERD and IBS in various studies (use of questionnaires, endoscopic examination, esophageal pH-impedancemetry). The high rate of GERD and IBS overlapping is related to the common pathogenetic mechanisms of both diseases (disorders оf gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity). The features of the clinical picture and treatment in cases of GERD and IBS overlapping are studied insuffi ciently and require further research.