Professional Literature
Update on GERD by Philip Katz, MD
The disease burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results from its
widespread prevalence and its negative impact on quality of life. While
abnormalities of the antireflux barrier (lower esophageal sphincter or LES) are
important in the pathophysiology of GERD, severity of symptoms and esophageal
mucosal injury can be correlated with the total time that the esophageal mucosa
is in contact with acid (time pH<4).15,16 Hence, acid suppression comprises
the principle approach to therapy. The goals of therapy are to relieve
symptoms, heal the esophagus in patients with erosive esophagitis, and prevent
relapse and complications. Three classes of prescription medications are
available to treat GERD: promotility agents, histamine2-receptor antagonists,
and proton pump inhibitors.