Date: {{$ActivityAssignDate}}

Dear Dr. {{ $doctorName }},

Subject: Participation in "Survey To Understand the Epidemiology, Etiology and Managements of GERD (SEEMS-GERD survey)"

Acid peptic diseases encompass conditions whose pathogenesis involves the effect of gastric acid and peptic activity on the tissue. It results from distinctive yet overlapping pathogenic mechanisms that increase acid secretion or diminish the mucosal defense. APD is used as a collective term to include conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD). gastritis. gastro-duodenal injuries and the resultant bleeding caused by medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and Meckel's diverticulum ulcer. APD are amongst the most common conditions diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians. gastroenterologists, surgeons, and intensivists with an estimated prevalence ranging from 3% to 40% in the general population. 2, The prevalence of APD in India, as assessed by a hospital-based cross-sectional study, was found to be 38.1%.6 APD presents common symptoms like headache, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence.4 An interview-based cross-sectional survey of 1000 clinicians who treated APD patients, reported heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain. gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, bloating, nausea, and vomiting as the most commonly encountered symptoms in such patients.

GERD is commonest type of acid peptic disease. It accounts for 17.5% of all digestive diseases recorded. GERD has a significant impact on both direct and indirect healthcare costs. The global prevalence of GERD is in the range of 2.5%-33.1%. Prevalence in India is approximately 18.7%.1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as symptoms or complications resulting from reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus or beyond.

To understand the epidemiology & etiology of GERD in routine practice in India, to understand the management of GERD & to understand about GERD, including the causes and consequences, this cross-sectional study is designed to understand management practices in GERD in India.

If you agree to participate, you will be required to respond to questions of the enclosed questionnaire. We trust you and we are partners in promoting safe and effective drug therapy. In that spirit we hope you will consent to participate in this survey. If you do, please sign and return the enclosed reply along with your visiting card for accuracy of records.