Evaluation of GERD Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition which develops when the reflux of gastric content causes troublesome symptoms or complications. GERD is arguably the most common disease encountered by the gastroenterologist. It is equally likely that the primary care providers will find that complaints related to reflux disease constitute a large proportion of their practice.(1) GERD condition can present with different presentations and the response to the intervention significantly differs from patient to patient. As a result reviewing the new literatures done in this field will help in providing a better outcomes for the patients. Objective: Treating patients with GERD is difficult and needs different approaches. In this paper, we reviewed the major and the latest studies regarding GERD symptomatology, risk factors, diagnosis and management. Method: A comprehensive search was done using biomedical databases; Medline, and PubMed, for studies concerned with assessment of GERD. Keywords used in our search through the databases were as; “GERD Pathophysiology”, “GERD Classification”, and “GERD Management”. Conclusion: GERD is a condition which develops when the reflux of gastric content causes troublesome symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and sleep disturbance. GERD can be diagnosed by various measures such as GERD Questionnaire, PH Monitoring, and Upper Endoscopy. Initially GERD can be managed by simple life modification measures, then physicians can add Protons Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), and Histamine 2 Receptor Blocker (H2RBs). In case of PPIs and H2RBs failure in reliving GERD symptoms physicians may go for anti-reflux surgical interventions.