Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract

The lecture presents modern interpretation of the term " gastroesophageal reflux disease" (GERD) and Montreal classification of this disease with emphasis on non-erosive reflux disease and risk to develop Barret's esophagus which is a widely prevalent precancer condition frequently transforming into esophageal adenocarcinoma. Description is given of GERD causes, mechanisms of development, diagnostic and differential diagnostic signs of the disease, a high risk of bronchial asthma in GERD patients, basic treatment principles including healthy way of life, pharmacotherapy (antacids, alginates, prokinetics, proton pump inhibitors, etc.).