[Gastroesophageal reflux disease: an overview]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Digestive Diseases
• Medical Diagnostics

Context:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent digestive disorder with ongoing research into its complex aspects.
• Despite extensive study, certain elements of GERD remain subjects of debate and require further clarification.

Purpose:

• To review key topics in GERD, including its definition, prevalence, and clinical manifestations.
• To evaluate the indications and limitations of major diagnostic methods for GERD.
• To summarize current medical, surgical, and endoscopic treatment strategies for GERD.

Summary:

• Esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pHmetry (impedance-pHmetry) is emerging as a new gold standard for diagnosing GERD.
• GERD symptoms can be categorized; some are acid-dependent and respond well to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
• Other GERD symptoms are related to the physical presence of refluxate, not its acidity, and are less responsive to PPIs.

Impact:

• The findings highlight advancements in GERD diagnostics, particularly the role of impedance-pHmetry.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of GERD management, aiding clinicians in treatment decisions.
• Understanding symptom variability in GERD can lead to more personalized and effective therapeutic approaches.