[Pathophysiology of reflux esophagitis in the elderly patients]

Recent reports indicate an increased prevalence of reflux esophagitis(RE) in Japan. There are many factors causing RE, and many kinds of changes associating aging are important in the causes of RE in the elderly patients. Characteristic features of the causes of RE in elderly patients are summarized here. Within the elderly patients, there are cases with persistent gastric acid secretion. Aging affections lead to esophageal motor dysfunctions and to failure of LES function(presbyesophagus). The elderly are complicated by orthopedic degenerative diseases with posture change due to osteoporosis; some pharmaceutical agents such as Ca-channel blockers or NSAIDs. Hiatal hernia is also an aggravating factor. In the future, elderly people with persistent gastric acid secretion will be increased based on declining prevalence of Helicobacter pylori. Therefore further increase in the prevalence and development of RE is foreseen in our country. Pathophysiology of RE in the elderly patients is expected to show various changes in the future.