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Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Synonyms Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), gastric reflux disease, acid reflux disease, reflux, gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux barium X-ray.jpg
X-ray showing radiocontrast from the stomach entering the esophagus due to severe reflux
Pronunciation
Specialty Gastroenterology
Symptoms Taste of acid, heartburn, bad breath, chest pain, breathing problems
Complications Esophagitis, esophageal strictures, Barrett's esophagus
Duration Long term
Causes Poor closure of the lower esophageal sphincter
Risk factors Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatus hernia, taking certain medicines
Diagnostic method Gastroscopy, upper GI series, esophageal pH monitoring, esophageal manometry
Differential diagnosis Peptic ulcer disease, esophageal cancer, esophageal spasm, angina
Treatment Lifestyle changes, medications, surgery
Medication Antacids, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics
Frequency ~15% (Western populations)
Classification
External resources

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, is a long-term condition where stomach contents come back up into the esophagus resulting in either symptoms or complications. Symptoms include the taste of acid in the back of the mouth, heartburn, bad breath, chest pain, vomiting, breathing problems, and wearing away of the teeth. Complications include esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and Barrett's esophagus.

Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatus hernia, and taking certain medicines. Medications involved include antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and sleeping medication. It is due to poor closure of the lower esophageal sphincter (the junction between the stomach and the esophagus). Diagnosis among those who do not improve with simpler measures may involve gastroscopy, upper GI series, esophageal pH monitoring, or esophageal manometry.

Treatment is typically via lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. Lifestyle changes may include not lying down for three hours after eating, losing weight, avoiding certain foods, and stopping smoking. Medications include antacids, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetics. Surgery may be an option in those who do not improve with other measures.


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