Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is the most common cause of indigestion in the community, and is usually chronic. Typical symptoms are recurrent retrosternal burning (heartburn) and regurgitation of sour or bitter fluid. In patients with typical symptoms and no alarm symptoms (pain on swallowing, dysphagia, weight loss or anaemia), treatment may be instituted without investigation. Patients with alarm symptoms and those who respond poorly or relapse after initial treatment require investigation (endoscopy and possibly pH monitoring). About 60% of reflux sufferers have no evidence of mucosal injury; their management aims to relieve symptoms. About 40% of reflux sufferers have oesophagitis and/or complications such as Barrett's oesophagus or oesophageal stricture at endoscopy. Drug therapy consists of H2-receptor antagonists, cisapride or proton-pump inhibitors.