Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which there is incompetence of the lower oesophageal sphincter, resulting in reflux of gastric acid.
Pathogenesis
Risk Factors for Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Family history of reflux
- Advanced age
- Obesity
- Hiatus hernia
- Pregnancy
- Scleroderma
- Smoking
Manifestations
Complications of Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Oesophagitis
- Oesophageal strictures
- Barrett's oeseophagus
- Oesophageal adenocarcinoma
- Aspiration pneumonitis
Management
Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux
Non-Pharmacologic
- Weight loss
- Smoking cessation
- Avoidance of certain foods - fatty, spicy, acidic
- Elevation of the head of the bed
Pharmacologic
- Antacids
- Proton pump inhibitors - omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole
- H2 receptor antagonists - ranitidine, nizatidine
Surgical
- Fundoplication
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