[Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett esophagus]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as a troublesome condition caused by reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Reflux esophagitis and Barrett esophagus are included into complication of GERD. The relationship between H. pylori infection and GERD has been evaluated in many studies. H. pylori infection rate is generally low in patients with reflux esophagitis or Barrett esophagus. The increase in the incidence of reflux esophagitis after successful eradication of H. pylori has been alleviated by several reports from Western countries. However, temporary appearance or aggravation of reflux esophagitis after H. pylori eradication has been reported in Japan because of acid secretion increases. After long-term follow-up, most of them remain in mild severity of reflux esophagitis, and symptoms may not become more severe. The increase in symptoms of GERD rarely occurs after eradication of H. pylori. Therefore, the presence of reflux esophagitis is not an impediment to performing eradication therapy.