Managing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in the older patient.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in older patients presents particular problems for the clinician. Older patients may present with complications rather than with symptoms, which may be less marked than in younger patients. Extraoesophageal symptoms are also more common in this group, and this may lead to confusion over the exact diagnosis. The increased likelihood of co-pathologies and concomitant medication complicate diagnosis and management further. GORD tends to be more severe for any level of symptom severity in the older patient. Erosive oesophagitis is more common among older people with GORD, meaning that this group is more likely to require aggressive therapy for both symptom relief and oesophagitis healing - full or high doses of acid suppression therapy may be necessary.
Centre for Integrated Health Care Research, Wolfson Research Institute, University of Durham, UK. A.P.S.Hungin@durham.ac.uk
A Pali S
AP
Hungin
Anan
A
Raghunath
D000368:Aged; D000464:Alginates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007704:Kininogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008019:Life Style; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors
D000464:Alginates; D000863:Antacids; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D007704:Kininogens; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D020723:Glucuronic Acid