title: Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
abstract: GERD is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder, and its prevalence in Asia is increasing. Classical symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation are common presentations. There is no standard criterion for the diagnosis of GERD, and 24-h pH monitoring lacks sensitivity in NERD. Furthermore, diagnostic studies for gastroesophageal reflux disease have several limitations. A short course of PPI is often used in clinical practice as a diagnostic test for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Elderly patients with GERD usually present with atypical manifestations, and they tend to develop more severe disease. PPI remains the mainstay of treatment for GERD. In a subset of patients who wish to discontinue maintenance treatment, anti-reflux surgery is a therapeutic option.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889, Singapore. Kwong_ming_fock@cgh.com.sg
authors.forename: Kwong Ming
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Fock
authors.forename: Choo Hean
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Poh
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D050782:Esophageal pH Monitoring; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006356:Heartburn / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D015995:Prevalence; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors