Are GERD Patients Getting Younger? Changing Disease Patterns
Are GERD Patients Really Getting Younger?
Yes, gastroesophageal reflux disease is increasingly affecting younger populations, with significant shifts in patient demographics over the past two decades. Research shows younger GERD patients present with different symptom patterns, risk factors, and disease characteristics compared to traditional older populations, reflecting changing lifestyle and dietary patterns in modern society.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This demographic shift in GERD is concerning but not surprising given modern lifestyle changes. Younger patients often have different triggers - stress, irregular eating patterns, processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles - rather than the traditional age-related factors. The key is recognizing that GERD in younger people isn’t just “adult heartburn starting early” but often represents a distinct pattern requiring tailored approaches to prevention and treatment.