Epidemiology of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease encompasses a spectrum of disorders in which gastric reflux leads to symptoms and/or damage to the esophageal mucosa. Although a common problem in clinical practice, our understanding of the pathophysiology of the condition has not been matched by our knowledge of its epidemiology and natural history. This review examines some of the difficulties inherent in epidemiological studies with particular emphasis on the nature and variety of reflux symptoms and their relationship to esophagitis, the natural history and complications of reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, and the possible role of gastroesophageal reflux in lung disease, especially asthma.

Inflammation and Specialized Intestinal Metaplasia of Cardiac Mucosa Is a Manifestation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

“…4 Spechler and Goyal6 have similarly reported that 9 of ease, although data to support this conclusion were not given. Other studies now have confirmed this high prevalence of intestinal metaplasia at the cardia.78" 2 We have shown that intestinal metaplasia limited to the gastroesophageal junction universally occurs in the setting of inflamed cardiac mucosa. It is clearly metaplastic, because goblet cells are not normally found in either the esophagus or the stomach.…”

Digestive System

“…Defective primary or secondary peristalsis leads to incomplete clearance of acid. Furthermore, salivary HCO 3 usually neutralizes acid that remains in contact with the esophageal mucosa. Thus, impaired salivation may contribute to mucosal injury [ 4 ].…”

“…GERD is the most prevalent condition originating from the gastrointestinal tract. It is estimated that 20 % of the Western adult population suffer from heartburn more than three times a month [ 3 ]. It is particularly important in the pediatric age-group.…”

Gastroesophageal reflux andHelicobacter pylori: a review

“…Epidemiological studies have now demonstrated that the prevalence of GERD is steadily increasing in the developed countries [2] , as is the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus [3] , its most dangerous complication, while the prevalence of peptic ulc er and gastric cancer is falling [4] , in parallel with a falling prevale nce of Hp infection in the western countries [5] . It is therefore t empting to causally relate these phenomena.…”