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Introduction to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Reflux of gastroesophageal contents is a normal physiological phenomenon, however, in a significant percentage of adults, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develop. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition among American adults, with 3 to 4 percent of adults in the United States (>50 million people) reporting epidsodes of heartburn and approximately 10% of the population using over-the-counter antacids for treatment. Approximately 16 million people in the United States report daily heartburn which is of particular concern since complications, including adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, are known to occur in 1 to 2 percent of these patients. In the United States, GERD is one of the most expensive digestive disorders with an estimated direct cost of over $10 billion per year.
