GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: RISK FACTORS AND THERAPY

Abstract

Physiologically, everyone can have reflux, especially after meals. However, more frequent and longer-lasting episodes can bring other symptoms and be classified as reflux disease. Epidemiologically speaking, up to 40% of the world's population can develop this disease, making it the most common disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract. There are three main forms of reflux diagnosed: acid, alkaline and gas. It should be noted that acid reflux is the most common type, attacking the esophageal mucosa and causing extremely significant clinical and endoscopic changes. Therefore, this narrative literature review brought together articles from the main databases aiming to indicate the main risk factors for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease and address the available therapy. It was concluded that the main risk factor for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease is obesity. It can be said that drug treatment mainly includes the use of PPIs, non-drug treatment includes changes in habits and the restriction of some medications that worsen the disease when their replacement is possible. Refractoriness to treatment may result in the need for surgical correction through antireflux surgery.