Reflux symptoms in professional opera choristers.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Occupational Health
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common condition.
• Professional singers may have a unique susceptibility to GER due to occupational demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of GER symptoms in professional opera choristers.
• To compare GER symptom prevalence in choristers versus a general population sample.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study comparing 351 professional opera choristers with 578 matched general population subjects.
• Data collected via structured questionnaire on reflux symptoms, lifestyle, and occupational factors.
• Prevalence rate ratios adjusted for potential confounders were calculated.

Main Results:

• Opera choristers exhibited significantly higher prevalence of heartburn, regurgitation, cough, and hoarse voice.
• Adjusted prevalent rate ratios for these symptoms ranged from 1.60 to 2.45.
• Regurgitation was associated with both cumulative lifetime and weekly duration of singing.

Conclusions:

• Professional opera choristers report a higher prevalence of GER symptoms.
• Further research is needed to determine if GER in this population is stress-induced and constitutes a work-related disease.