Epidemiologic evidence on alcohol consumption increasing the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is contradictory. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between alcohol consumption and GERD by a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent disease, and the incidence is rising. We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies, indicating that there was a significant association between alcohol consumption and the risk of GERD. This finding provides important implications for the prevention and control of GERD.

Two investigators retrieved relevant studies on PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE, respectively. The summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by random effects model to assess the association. Heterogeneity was quantified using the Q statistic and I². Subgroup analysis, publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also conducted.

Twenty-six cross-sectional studies and three case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled random effects OR was 1.48 (95%CI, 1.31–1.67; I² = 88.8%), in comparison between drinkers and non-/occasional drinkers. For reflux esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease, two subtypes of GERD, the ORs were 1.78 (95%CI, 1.56–2.03; I² = 87.5%) and 1.15 (95%CI, 1.04–1.28; I² = 0.3%), respectively. In addition, the pooled OR for drinkers who drank <3–5 times or days per week was 1.29 (95%CI, 1.14–1.46; I² = 35.5%), while for those who drank more frequently, the OR was 2.12 (95%CI, 1.63–2.75; I² = 55.1%). Dose–response analysis showed a linear association between alcohol consumption and GERD . The pooled OR for a 12.5 g/day increment of alcohol was 1.16 (95%CI, 1.07–1.27; P = 0.001).

This meta-analysis provides evidence for a potential association between alcohol drinking and the risk of GERD. The increase in alcohol consumption and frequency showed a stronger association with GERD.