gastrointestinal disorders
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Introduction
Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter allows reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, causing burning pain. Prolonged reflux may lead to esophagitis, stricture, and rarely metaplasia or cancer. Diagnosis is clinical, sometimes with endoscopy, with or without acid testing. Treatment involves lifestyle modification, acid suppression using proton pump inhibitors, and sometimes surgical repair. (See also Overview of Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders .) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common, occurring in 10 to 20% of adults. It also occurs frequently in infants, typically beginning at birth ( see Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants ). 