ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are the most common disorders in the general population. These disorders can overlap, decreasing the quality of life.
Objective:
We analyzed the prevalence of functional esophageal disorders (FED) and irritable bowel disease (IBS), and their overlapping and associated factors in musicians and athletes.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using FGID and associated factors questionnaires administered to four groups: instrumentalists, singers, athletes, and a control group of healthy volunteers.
Results:
Of the 161 subjects, 62 (38.51%) had only FED, 76 (47.2%) had only IBS, and 23 (14.29%) had FED-IBS overlap. Subjects with FED-IBS overlap had more severe symptoms of IBS, especially hard and lumpy stools and constipation, compared to those with IBS alone. IBS subtype was more frequent in the overlap group, while not specified IBS type was less frequent. Regarding FED, we found that subjects with FED-IBS overlap had more functional heartburn and less functional dysphagia symptoms. There was a higher risk of overlap in instrumentalists and smokers.
Conclusions:
FED and IBS are frequently encountered in musicians and athletes. Subjects with FED-IBS overlap presented more frequent and severe symptoms. Instrumentalists and smokers are at higher risk of overlap. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.
Keywords:
Esophageal diseases; Irritable bowel syndrome; Comorbidity; Music; Athletic performance