Effect of Ramadan fasting on Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms

Background: Effect of Ramadan fasting on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is unknown and limited studies have been conducted in this regard. Nutritional, physiological, psychological and behavioral changes in fasting individuals during Ramadan may affect GERD. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of these changes on GERD symptoms with more meticulous method. Materials and Methods: The patients with clinically diagnosed GERD by gastroenterologist were enrolled in this study and followed in three consecutive months from one month before to after the holy month of Ramadan using GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaires filled by patients. For ethical considerations Antisecretory drugs were prescribed for all patients. After data collection, subjects were divided into two groups of fasting and non-fasting and compared using the SPSS. Results: Sixty nine patients completed all follow ups. Among the participants, 33 were fasting, and 36 cases did not fast. No significant differences in Total, Heartburn and Regurgitation scores changes were seen between Fasting and Nonfasting groups from before Ramadan to Ramadan, Ramadan to after Ramadan and also before to after Ramadan (P>0.05). Conclusion: Ramadan fasting has no effects on GERD symptoms in patients who use antisecretory drugs during this month.