Overview
Reflux as a Clinical Syndrome
GERD is reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus that produces troublesome symptoms or complications.
CNPLE
CNPLE
GERD is reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus that produces troublesome symptoms or complications. It is not synonymous with excess acid production: some patients have erosive injury, some have normal-appearing mucosa, and others have persistent symptoms driven largely by reflux hypersensitivity or a non-reflux disorder. Heartburn and regurgitation are the classic pattern. The clinical task is to identify patients who can begin empiric treatment safely, distinguish reflux from cardiac or esophageal emergencies, and obtain objective evidence before committing a patient with persistent or atypical symptoms to long-term treatment or an invasive intervention.
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