Validation of the Reflux, Airway and Sleep Questionnaire (RASQ)

Abstract Background. Airway symptoms and sleeplessness in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be of importance. This study validates a new questionnaire dealing with such symptoms. Material and methods. The Reflux, Airway and Sleep Questionnaire (RASQ) is self-administered, asks about 18 symptoms or diagnoses possibly related to GERD answered on a seven-point Likert scale and with a 1-year recall period. There are questions about heartburn/regurgitation, sleeplessness, snoring, pneumonia, and upper airway infections, as well as various bronchial and laryngeal symptoms. The study included 305 patients diagnosed with GERD (n = 65), laryngitis (n = 32), asthma (n = 30), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 45), acute bronchitis (n = 39), pneumonia (n = 42), or upper airway infection (n = 52) during the last year, and 708 matched healthy controls. Concurrent validity was based on comparisons between patients and controls. Convergent validity for sleeplessness and snoring were tested...