Table-IV.

Ritcher acid scale of both GERD and Control Group.

Scale		GERD
		Negative		Positive
		n	%	n	%
An uncomfortable feeling behind the breast bone that seems to be moving upward from the stomach.	No	821	82.1	400	40.0
	Yes	179	17.9	599	60.0
A burning sensation in the back of your throat.	No	851	85.1	376	37.6
	Yes	149	14.9	624	62.4
A bitter acid taste in your mouth.	No	889	88.9	904	90.4
	Yes	111	11.1	96	9.6
Do you experience these problems after meal	No	999	99.9	47	4.7
	Yes	1	.1	953	95.3
Heartburn two times per week	No	1000	100.0	178	17.8
	Yes	0	.0	822	82.2
Antacids only provide temporary relief	No	1000	100.0	525	52.5
	Yes	0	.0	475	47.5
Taking prescription medication for heartburn but still having symptoms	No	1000	100.0	552	55.2
	Yes	0	.0	448	44.8