Global GERD Prevalence: 1 in 7 Adults Worldwide Affected

How Common Is GERD Around the World?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease affects approximately 13.98% of adults globally, meaning roughly 1 in 7 people worldwide experience this condition. This comprehensive meta-analysis of 73 studies across multiple continents reveals significant regional variations, with North America showing the highest prevalence rates and East Asia the lowest.

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This global analysis confirms what we see clinically - GERD is incredibly common and varies dramatically by geography and lifestyle factors. The 14% global prevalence means nearly 1 billion people deal with reflux symptoms regularly. Most importantly, the regional differences point to modifiable risk factors like diet, obesity rates, and lifestyle patterns that we can actually address to reduce GERD burden.

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Rising Temperatures Erode Human Sleep Globally: Climate Change Sleep Crisis

How Is Climate Change Affecting Global Sleep Patterns?

Rising global temperatures due to climate change are significantly eroding human sleep duration worldwide, with this comprehensive analysis showing that people lose an average of 44 hours of sleep per year for each 1°C increase in nighttime temperature. The research, analyzing sleep data from 68 countries, reveals that warmer nights reduce sleep duration more than warmer days, with the greatest impacts on elderly populations, women, and residents of lower-income countries. By 2099, climate change could reduce global sleep by 50-58 hours annually per person, representing a major public health crisis that disproportionately affects the world’s most vulnerable populations.

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Fifty Years of Oral Rehydration Therapy: The Solution Is Still Simple

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) has saved an estimated 70 million lives since its adoption by WHO in the 1970s. This Lancet perspective revisits its origins, celebrates the science behind it, and reminds us that the simplest solutions often have the most profound impact. Half a century later, ORT remains a cornerstone of global health.

Key Takeaways:

✔ ORT has saved more lives than any single medical therapy in history.
✔ Annual child deaths from diarrhea fell from over 5 million to under 500,000.
✔ The core formula remains nearly unchanged since the 1970s.
✔ Education, access, and continued advocacy keep it relevant today.

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The Global Burden of Acute Diarrheal Disease: What Surveillance Shows

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

Before oral rehydration therapy was introduced, acute diarrheal disease killed millions each year—mostly infants and children. This WHO surveillance review quantified that burden and made the case for a global rehydration strategy. ORT didn’t just save lives—it reshaped the map of child mortality.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Acute diarrheal disease was once among the top three causes of global mortality.
✔ Children under five accounted for the vast majority of deaths.
✔ The introduction of ORT led to a rapid and sustained drop in global mortality.
✔ Surveillance data guided both WHO policy and ORT distribution programs.

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