Reflux esophagitis. Diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management

Reflux esophagitis is a common disorder in which esophageal inflammation is caused by the reflux of gastric contents. The diagnostic approach includes documentation that reflux is present, that the patient's symptoms are caused by the reflux, and that esophageal mucosal damage has occurred. Therapy is guided by the current multifactorial pathophysiology model, which includes efficacy of the antireflux mechanism, volume of gastric fluid, potency of refluxed material, esophageal clearance, and tissue resistance factors. Although recurrences are common, treatment with life style changes supplemented with combinations of liquid antacids, H2 blockers, sucralfate, bethanechol, and metoclopramide is usually effective.