Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

(GERD)
 Etiology
• Lifestyle - Use of alcohol or cigarettes, obesity, poor
posture (slouching)
• Medications - Calcium channel blockers, theophylline,
nitrates, antihistamines
• Diet - Fatty and fried foods, chocolate, garlic and
onions, drinks with caffeine, acid foods such as citrus
fruits and tomatoes, spicy foods, mint flavorings
• Eating habits - Eating large meals, eating soon before
bedtime
• Other medical conditions - Hiatal hernia, pregnancy,
diabetes, rapid weight gain
 Gastroesophageal Reflux
Pathophysiology
Swallow

The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or

Decrease the pressure of the LES or
Increased intra-abdominal pressure

Stomach contents and corrosive acid well up

Regurgitation

Damage the lining of the esophagus

 GERD – Treatment
• Lifestyle changes
– dietary modifications (avoid acidic / reflux-
inducing foods (tomatoes, chocolate, mint), &
beverages (juices, carbonated, caffeinated drinks,
alcohol), altered sleep position, weigh reduction,
smoking cessation
• Pharmacotherapy
• Surgical therapies
Treatment – Pharmacotherapy
 Examination
• Bernstein test
• Barium meal test
• Endoscopy
• Ph
• Ppi test