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GERD Resource Center
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Gastroesophageal reflux is a normal physiologic phenomenon experienced intermittently by most people, particularly after a meal. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the amount of gastric juice that refluxes into the esophagus exceeds the normal limit, causing symptoms with or without associated esophageal mucosal injury (esophagitis). A study by Richter and a Gallup Organization National Survey estimated that 25-40% of healthy adult Americans experience symptomatic GERD, most commonly manifested clinically by pyrosis (heartburn), at least once a month. Furthermore, approximately 7-10% of the adult population in the United States experiences such symptoms on a daily basis.
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GERD Feature Series Newsletters
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Barrett esophagus (BE) is a metaplastic disorder in which specialized columnar epithelium replaces healthy squamous epithelium. Barrett metaplasia is the most common cause or precursor of esophageal carcinoma. The rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing in the Western world, and it has a poor prognosis, mainly because individuals present with late-stage disease.
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Esophagitis is a common medical condition usually caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Less frequent causes of esophagitis include infectious esophagitis (in patients who are immunocompromised), radiation esophagitis, and esophagitis from direct erosive effects of ingested medication or corrosive agents.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment takes a stepwise approach. The goals are to control symptoms, to heal esophagitis, and to prevent recurrent esophagitis or other complications. |
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A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach prolapses through the diaphragmatic esophageal hiatus. Although the existence of hiatal hernia has been described in earlier medical literature, it has come under close scrutiny only in the last century or so because of its association with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications. By far, the majority of hiatal hernias are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. On rare occasion, a life-threatening complication, such as gastric volvulus or strangulation, may present acutely.
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Metz DC.
Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease for the lifetime of the patient: evaluating the long-term options.
Am J Med. 2004 Sep 6;117 Suppl 5A:49S-55S. |
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Chey WD. Endoscopy-negative reflux disease: concepts and clinical practice.
Am J Med. 2004 Sep 6;117 Suppl 5A:36S-43S. |
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Gold, BD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease: could intervention in childhood reduce the risk of later complications?
Am J Med. 2004 Sep 6;117 Suppl 5A:23S-29S.
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Freston JW. Therapeutic choices in reflux disease: defining the criteria for selecting a proton pump inhibitor.
Am J Med. 2004 Sep 6;117 Suppl 5A:14S-22S. |
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Greenwald DA. Aging, the gastrointestinal tract, and risk of acid-related disease.
Am J Med. 2004 Sep 6;117 Suppl 5A:8S-13S. |
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Winter HS, Brandt LJ.
Acid-related disorders from pediatrics to geriatrics: reducing risks and optimizing outcomes.
Am J Med. 2004 Sep 6;117 Suppl 5A:1S. |
