TY - JOUR
T1 - Reflux symptoms in professional opera soloists
AU - Lenti, Marco Vincenzo
AU - Cammarota, Giovanni
AU - Vidali, Francesca
AU - Masala, Giovanna
AU - Bendinelli, Benedetta
AU - Gasbarrini, Giovanni
AU - Corazza, Gino Roberto
AU - Sabatino, Antonio Di
PY - 2018/1/1
Y1 - 2018/1/1
N2 - Background: Professions distinguished by repeated vocal stress carry a high risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) which may affect vocal performance. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of self-reported GERS in professional opera soloists. Methods: A validated questionnaire regarding self-reported GERS (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, and cough) and lifestyle habits was administered to 116 professional opera soloists (mean age 34.1 ± 7.3 years, F:M ratio 1:1.1). Age and sex-matched opera choristers and control subjects were used as control. Prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) adjusted for confounding factors were evaluated. Results: Among GERS, belching (33.6%), heartburn (19.8%), and dysphagia (15.5%) were the most commonly reported by soloists. In particular, a higher risk of heartburn (PRR 2.61, 95% CI 1.45–4.69) and dysphagia (PRR 2.58, 95% CI 1.31–5.10) was reported in soloists as compared to choristers. The prevalence of obesity and late dinner was higher in both choristers and soloists in comparison to the population sample (p < 0.001). GERS was more common among soloists who received pharmacologic treatment and their prevalence was unrelated to the years of singing activity. Conclusions: Professional opera soloists, regardless of the length of their career, are predisposed to developing GERS. Physicians should encourage patients to correct preventable risk factors. A prolonged pharmacological treatment might be needed.
AB - Background: Professions distinguished by repeated vocal stress carry a high risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) which may affect vocal performance. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of self-reported GERS in professional opera soloists. Methods: A validated questionnaire regarding self-reported GERS (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, and cough) and lifestyle habits was administered to 116 professional opera soloists (mean age 34.1 ± 7.3 years, F:M ratio 1:1.1). Age and sex-matched opera choristers and control subjects were used as control. Prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) adjusted for confounding factors were evaluated. Results: Among GERS, belching (33.6%), heartburn (19.8%), and dysphagia (15.5%) were the most commonly reported by soloists. In particular, a higher risk of heartburn (PRR 2.61, 95% CI 1.45–4.69) and dysphagia (PRR 2.58, 95% CI 1.31–5.10) was reported in soloists as compared to choristers. The prevalence of obesity and late dinner was higher in both choristers and soloists in comparison to the population sample (p < 0.001). GERS was more common among soloists who received pharmacologic treatment and their prevalence was unrelated to the years of singing activity. Conclusions: Professional opera soloists, regardless of the length of their career, are predisposed to developing GERS. Physicians should encourage patients to correct preventable risk factors. A prolonged pharmacological treatment might be needed.
KW - Heartburn
KW - Regurgitation
KW - Singer
KW - Voice types
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U2 - 10.1016/j.dld.2018.11.026
DO - 10.1016/j.dld.2018.11.026
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85058567287
JO - Digestive and Liver Disease
JF - Digestive and Liver Disease
SN - 1590-8658
ER -