Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common upper gastrointestinal disorder. Esophageal and extraesophageal complications are common and may be potentially life threatening. Esophageal complications include erosive esophagitis, esophageal stricture, Barrett?s esophagus and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Extraesophageal complications include: Atypical chest pain; ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations such as globus sensation, laryngitis, and dental problems; pulmonary problems such as chronic cough, asthma, and pulmonary aspiration. An aggressive approach may often be warranted, especially in the older patient, because of the higher incidence of severe complications. Evaluation and management of GERD are generally the same in the majority of patients. However, there are specific issues of causation, evaluation and treatment that must be addressed when dealing with the older patient, such as cognitive impairment, comorbidities and medication side effects.

Biography

Maxwell M Chait completed his MD degree at the age of 25 from the University of California, School of Medicine at San Francisco. He is a Fellow of several prestigious organizations, including the American College of Physicians, American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He is a practicing gastroenterologist on the faculty of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has authored numerous publications and serves on the editorial board of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Journal of Liver Disease and Transplantation Biology.