. 2016 Jun 28;22(3):355–366. doi: 10.5056/jnm15150

Table 1.

Reasons for Increased Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Asia

	Effect
Environmental factors
Increasing affluence	Older age
	Adoption of a western lifestyle:
	Increased dietary fat intake
	Increased obesity and metabolic syndrome
	Healthier stomach with increased gastric acid output
	Improvements in hygiene
	Increased smoking and alcohol consumption
Decline in Helicobacter pylori infection	Healthier stomach with increased gastric acid output
Better awareness of GERD by patients and clinicians	Increased consultation rate
Better awareness of GERD by patients and clinicians	Improved diagnosis
Better understanding of GERD terminology (heartburn, acid regurgitation)	Increased consultation rate
	More accurate diagnosis
Genetic factors
Predisposition in certain racial groups	High prevalence for GERD symptoms among Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean populations
Predisposition in certain racial groups	Predominance of human leukocyte antigen B7 among Indians

GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease.