Managing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in the older patient

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in older patients presents particular problems for the clinician. Older patients may present with complications rather than with symptoms, which may be less marked than in younger patients. Extraoesophageal symptoms are also more common in this group, and this may lead to confusion over the exact diagnosis. The increased likelihood of co-pathologies and concomitant medication complicate diagnosis and management further. GORD tends to be more severe for any level of symptom severity in the older patient. Erosive oesophagitis is more common among older people with GORD, meaning that this group is more likely to require aggressive therapy for both symptom relief and oesophagitis healing - full or high doses of acid suppression therapy may be necessary.