Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Objective: To describe the characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in order to diagnose and treat patients with this disease. Literature review: GERD is defined as the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, causing damage to the esophageal mucosa and/or reflux symptoms. The symptomatology is quite variable, subdivided into typical and atypical symptoms, but clinically the typical symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation stand out. Regarding pathophysiology, GERD is characterized as a multifactorial disease associated with several risk factors. The most important complication is Barrett's esophagus. Final considerations: GERD is the main disease present in gastroenterology outpatient clinics. It is diagnosed through clinical manifestations, however, some tests can also help in the diagnosis: upper digestive endoscopy (UGE), 24-hour esophageal pH and esophageal mucosal impedance. Because it is a multifactorial disease, its management is focused on changes in lifestyle, pharmacological treatment and, in some cases, more invasive interventions. Therefore, knowledge about GERD is of paramount importance so that professionals, when faced with the disease, carry out the correct management, avoiding complications and worse outcomes.