Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disorders

Reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus (gastroesophageal) and from the duodenum into the stomach (duodenogastric) occur in all human beings. The latter often subsequently reflux into the oesophagus. Therefore the refluxate which may contain gastric acid, pepsin, bile, trypsin or gas needs to be identified in individuals who are symptomatic of reflux disease. This brief review will however focus more on acid gastroesophageal reflux disorders, a group of disorders that in conjunction with peptic ulcer disease and others come under the broad umbrella of acid peptic disorders. IFEMED Journal Vol. 14 (1) 2008: pp. 83-86