Archives of Digestive Disorders

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Rapid Communication - Archives of Digestive Disorders (2023) Volume 5, Issue 2

An examination of gastroesophageal reflux disease and its clinical management

Aassimo Jaiocchi*

Department of General Surgery and Polytrauma, San Carlo Borromeo Hospital, Milan, Italy

*Corresponding Author:
Aassimo Jaiocchi
Department of General Surgery and Polytrauma
San Carlo Borromeo Hospital, Milan, Italy
E-mail: aassimo_jaiocchi@gmail.com

Received: 23-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AAADD-23-91561; Editor assigned: 25-Feb-2023, PreQC No. AAADD-23-91561(PQ); Reviewed: 13-Mar-2023, QC No.AAADD-23-91561; Revised: 17-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAADD-23-91561(R); Published: 27-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35841/ AAADD-5.2.136

Citation: Jaiocchi A. An examination of gastroesophageal reflux disease and its clinical management. Arch Dig Disord. 2023;5(2):136.

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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disorder characterized by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. It is a common condition, affecting up to 20% of the population in western countries. The symptoms of GERD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can include heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, and chest pain. Clinical evaluation and management of GERD are essential to improve the quality of life of patients and to prevent complications such as Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Clinical evaluation of GERD begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation, which can be assessed using validated questionnaires such as the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) or the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). These questionnaires can help clinicians to determine the severity of symptoms and to monitor the response to treatment [1].

Endoscopy is recommended for patients with alarm symptoms such as dysphagia, odynophagia, weight loss, or bleeding. Endoscopy can detect complications such as erosive esophagitis, strictures, and Barrett's esophagus. In patients with typical symptoms of GERD, without alarm features, endoscopy is not routinely recommended. Ambulatory reflux monitoring is the gold standard for diagnosing GERD. The most common methods of reflux monitoring are 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and wireless pH monitoring. During 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, a catheter is placed in the esophagus to measure the pH of the refluxate. Wireless pH monitoring is a newer technique that uses a wireless capsule to measure the pH of the refluxate. Ambulatory reflux monitoring can help to confirm the diagnosis of GERD and to differentiate GERD from other conditions such as functional heartburn [2].

Management of GERD involves lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle modifications include weight loss, elevation of the head of the bed, avoidance of food triggers, and cessation of smoking. Weight loss can reduce the severity of GERD symptoms and improve the response to pharmacotherapy. Elevating the head of the bed can reduce the frequency and severity of reflux episodes. Avoidance of food triggers such as fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol can also reduce the severity of GERD symptoms. Smoking cessation is recommended, as smoking can worsen GERD symptoms and delay the healing of esophagitis. Pharmacotherapy for GERD includes acid suppressive agents such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). PPIs are more effective than H2RAs in controlling GERD symptoms and healing esophagitis. PPIs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms. Long-term use of PPIs has been associated with adverse effects such as increased risk of fractures, infections, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In patients with refractory GERD symptoms despite maximal acid suppression, reflux surgery may be considered [3].

Reflux surgery is indicated in patients with severe GERD symptoms, complications such as esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus, or refractory symptoms despite maximal acid suppression. The most common reflux surgery is laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, which involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux surgery is associated with a high success rate and can provide long-term relief of GERD symptoms [4].

GERD is a common condition that can significantly impact the quality of life of patients. Clinical evaluation of GERD involves a thorough evaluation and management of GERD involves multiple approaches, including medical history and physical examination, endoscopy, ambulatory reflux monitoring, lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and in some cases, surgery. Medical history and physical examination are essential for the initial evaluation of GERD. The medical history should focus on the presence and severity of GERD symptoms, the duration of symptoms, and any previous treatments. The physical examination should evaluate for any signs of complications such as dysphagia, weight loss, or signs of esophagitis such as erythema or ulcers. Endoscopy is recommended for patients with alarm symptoms such as dysphagia, odynophagia, weight loss, or bleeding. Endoscopy can detect complications such as erosive esophagitis, strictures, and Barrett's esophagus. In patients with typical symptoms of GERD, without alarm features, endoscopy is not routinely recommended. However, endoscopy may be useful in patients who do not respond to initial therapy or who have atypical symptoms [5].

In summary, the clinical evaluation and management of GERD require a comprehensive approach, including medical history and physical examination, endoscopy, ambulatory reflux monitoring, lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and in some cases, surgery. Effective management of GERD can improve the quality of life of patients and prevent complications such as Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer. However, it is important to note that the management of GERD is individualized based on the patient's symptoms, severity of disease, and response to treatment. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving a gastroenterologist, primary care physician, and surgeon may be necessary for the optimal management of GERD.

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