Via practica 2/2005

MANAGEMENT OF THE REFLUX DISEASE OF THE OESOPHAGUS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is used to describe individuals with any symptomatic clinical condition or histopathologic alteration resultant from episodes of gastroesophageal reflux. Although GERD is widely reported to be one of the most prevalent conditions afflicting the gastrointestinal tract, figures on the incidence and prevalence of GERD and esophagitis are based more on estimates than on actual data.Evidence is compelling that transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations account for overhelming majority of reflux events. The most common clinical symptoms of GERD are heartburn, acid regurgitation, and dysphagia. Gastroesophageal reflux accompanied by regurgitation and aspiration has been suggested as the cause for a wide spectum of extraesophageal otorhinolaryngical and pneumological conditions. The most prevalent pharmacologic approach to the treatment of GERD isto reduce gastric acid secretion with proton pump inhibitor. Management of patients with Barrett´s esophagus has two aspects-treating the uderlying GERD and managing the risk for development of adenocarcinoma.

Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux disease – management of GERD – Barrett´s esophagus.