Introduction. Many research works show that gastroesophageal reflux disease is currently a significant physical and emotional burden for patients. The aim of this work is to determine how the GERD influences patients functioning in family, professional and social life. Material and methods. The research was carried out in the Gastroenterology Clinic of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin and involved a group of 100 patients with GERD. Aim of the study. The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) survey composed of 36 questions concerning five areas of patients’lives, i.e. symptoms of the disease, physical state, social functioning, patients emotions and the influence of conservative treatment on patients’ well-being was conducted. Results. The average GIQLI score was 91.53 (99.38 men and 86.50 women). The quality of life of a greater number of surveyed patients proved to be much lower than in the population of healthy people (122.6 points). Negative emotions and the need of starting a diet reduce comfort of life of patients with GERD, particularly women. Conclusions. 1. The quality of life of a greater number of surveyed patients proved to be much lower than in the population of healthy people. 2. The necessity to take one’s medication and to go on a diet in GERD is a factor lowering the quality of life and causes discomfort connected with treatment. 3. Emotional sphere affects the quality of life with GERD. Nervousness and sadness as states connected with the disease have a significant negative effect on life. 4. Age, place of residence and source of livelihood do not influence the quality of life with GERD.

Key words: quality of life, gastroesophageal reflux disease.