From the Guidelines
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) typically presents with symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation, non-cardiac chest pain, cough, dysphonia, sore throat, and globus, as well as extra-esophageal symptoms such as cough, laryngeal hoarseness, dysphonia, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, dental erosions/caries, sinus disease, ear disease, post-nasal drip, and throat clearing 1. The symptoms of GERD can be divided into typical esophageal symptoms, atypical esophageal symptoms, and extra-esophageal symptoms. Typical esophageal symptoms include heartburn and regurgitation, while atypical esophageal symptoms include non-cardiac chest pain. Extra-esophageal symptoms are heterogeneous and can include cough, laryngeal hoarseness, dysphonia, and others, as outlined in Table 1 of the study by 1. Some key points to consider when evaluating symptoms of GERD include:
- The prevalence of symptomatic GERD is rising, with more than 30% of United States adults reporting at least weekly symptoms 1
- Patients with GERD may experience a wide range of symptoms, and the presence of extra-esophageal symptoms can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging 1
- A personalized approach to the evaluation and management of GERD symptoms is recommended, taking into account the individual patient's symptoms, medical history, and response to treatment 1
- The concept of extraesophageal symptoms secondary to GERD is complex and often controversial, leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges 1 It is essential to note that the symptoms of GERD can be similar to those of other conditions, and a thorough diagnostic evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause of symptoms. A healthcare provider should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment if symptoms persist or worsen over time 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
1.4 Treatment of Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD for up to 4 weeks in patients 2 years of age and older. The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD, although the specific other symptoms are not listed 2.
From the Research
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The symptoms of GERD can be grouped into typical, atypical, and extra-esophageal symptoms. The typical symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Acid regurgitation
These symptoms have the highest specificity for GERD 3. Atypical symptoms and extra-esophageal symptoms can also occur, but are less specific for GERD.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A presumptive diagnosis of GERD can be made based on the presence of typical symptoms, and empiric therapy can be initiated 3, 4. However, in some cases, further diagnostic testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess for complications or alternate causes of symptoms.
Complications of GERD
GERD can lead to several complications, including:
- Erosive esophagitis
- Peptic stricture
- Barrett's esophagus
- Esophageal adenocarcinoma
- Pulmonary disease 3
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications can help improve symptoms of GERD, including: