Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a very common disease, affecting at least 10% of people worldwide. Symptoms of the disease range from chest pain and chronic cough to acid reflux and laryngitis. It is a multifactorial disease. It can be caused by problems with the valve at the esophagogastric junction or improper pressure gradients between the stomach and esophagus. It can also be exacerbated by obesity, delayed gastric emptying and a hiatal sliding hernia. Nurses caring for these patients need to teach about prevention and treatment for the disease. Without treatment the disease can progress to Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Treatments for GERD include PPI therapy, alginate therapy, surgical options and different medication options. It is important that patients with GERD receive the necessary treatment to allow for the best quality of life possible