Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Overview and Introduction

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) continues to plague a large number of patients seen in the practitioner’s office – both that of the primary care physician and subspecialists. Consistently, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications rank as the most commonly prescribed medications both in the United States and abroad. Our strategy for diagnosis and management of GERD and its associated complications has changed significantly over the past decade. Most notably, our approach to treatment has shifted beyond that of prescription medications and procedural interventions. We can now shift our focus to diet as a primary strategy, as this has been repeatedly established as an effective approach. In this section of the book, an overview of GERD will be discussed.