Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Paul Moayyedi1, Nicholas J Talley
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Lancet (London, England)
|June 27, 2006
Summary
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease involves stomach contents backing up into the esophagus. While the exact cause is unknown, treatments like proton-pump inhibitors offer relief for many patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive Diseases
Background:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is characterized by gastric contents refluxing into the esophagus.
- This can lead to esophagitis, impairing quality of life, or long-term complications.
- Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is the primary suspected mechanism, though its cause is uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
- To discuss diagnostic challenges and treatment efficacy.
- To explore long-term management strategies for GORD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of GORD mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Analysis of diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity.
- Evaluation of pharmacological and surgical treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Obesity, smoking show weak associations; genetics may play a role. No link found with Helicobacter pylori.
- Diagnosis lacks a gold standard; symptoms and pH monitoring have limitations.
- Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists are effective, with PPIs showing higher efficacy (NNT=2).
Conclusions:
- GORD often requires long-term management due to high relapse rates.
- Acid suppression therapy is effective for both erosive and non-erosive disease.
- Anti-reflux surgery presents a comparable alternative to PPIs with low risks.
More Related Videos
03:05Establishment and Evaluation of a Risk Prediction Model for Pathological Escalation of Gastric Low-Grade Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Published on: February 16, 2024
04:05Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy
Published on: August 22, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:20Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
01:25Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
01:26Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...