Reflux disease, causes by imbalance between aggressive factors and defensive factors of the esophagus.In Iran the prevalence of disease ranges between 2.7 percent to 33 percent and is rising. Older age, female gender, obesity, low education level, smoking, certain medications and foods are among the risk factors for disease.

The questionnaire that was translated by modification of Mayo Clinic Foundation Questionnaire. It was distributed between 50 clusteres with 50 member who were choosed by a random selection of the houses in the city of Mashhad. 1634 questionnaires were completed and analyzed.

The prevalence of reflux symptoms in the week was 25.7%.For 46 percent of participants regurgitation was the main complaint and for 25 percent heartburn was. 77% of cases were mild to moderate in severity in which the symptoms do not affect daily life. 94% of patients seek medical attention. 47% of patients were using OTC medication and 52 percent had a history of herbal drug use. Known risk factors include: overeating, tea consumption, chronic diseases, taking non-steroidal anti inflamatory drugs, low levels of literacy and reflux in wife. Type of of water, food use of sausages at home, type of work and the coffee consumption were not significantly associated with reflux disease. The most common side effects associated with significance by symptoms including dysphagia, belching, hiccup, persistent cough, sleep disturbance, and absence from work.

Reflux disease prevalence in the population of residents of Mashhad is above the average in other cities of Iran. Disease risk factors in this population are similar to those reported in other studies.