The Spectrum of Reflux Phenotypes.
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: The focus on a symptom-based definition for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children has contributed to widespread use of acid suppression medications in patients with so-called typical reflux symptoms to treat the possibility of acid-mediated disease. Diagnostic testing with upper endoscopy, esophageal biopsies, ambulatory reflux monitoring, and/or esophageal manometry is often pursued when patients do not respond optimally to these medications. By using information from this diagnostic testing, GERD has shifted from a single diagnosis to a phenotypic spectrum, and each phenotype has unique pathophysiologic mechanisms driving symptom perception. Understanding these mechanisms is important to tailor individualized treatment plans and guide therapeutic interventions. The aim of this article is to discuss the different reflux phenotypes, the utility of esophageal reflux testing, the mechanisms underlying symptoms, and the management strategies for each phenotype.
Source: PubMed
Authors: Lisa B Mahoney, Rachel Rosen
Institutions: Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Gastroenterology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3003325148