From the Guidelines
False Statement Regarding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The statement that is false is that "Endoscopy is diagnostic". While endoscopy can be used to evaluate the esophagus for signs of erosive esophagitis, a significant proportion of patients with GERD have non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), which may not be detectable by endoscopy alone, as noted in studies 1.
Key Points About GERD Diagnosis
- Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) makes up to 50% of GERD cases, as stated in studies 1, and may not be detectable by endoscopy alone.
- Patients may present with symptoms such as regurgitation or dysphagia, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing GERD, as discussed in 1.
- Endoscopy is not always indicated for diagnosis, especially in patients with typical GERD symptoms, and is more useful in cases with alarm symptoms like dysphagia, bleeding, or weight loss, as recommended in 1.
Complexity of Diagnosing GERD
Diagnosing GERD can be complex due to its varied presentations and the fact that a significant proportion of patients have NERD, which may not show clear signs of esophageal damage on endoscopy. Therefore, clinical judgment and consideration of patient symptoms, medical history, and response to initial treatments are crucial in managing GERD effectively, as suggested by the guidelines and studies 1.