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Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder
in the United States, and leads to substantial morbidity, though associated mortality
is rare. The prevalence of GERD symptoms appeared to increase until 1999. Risk factors
for complications of GERD include advanced age, male sex, white race, abdominal obesity,
and tobacco use. Most patients with GERD present with heartburn and effortless regurgitation.
Coexistent dysphagia is considered an alarm symptom, prompting evaluation. There is
substantial overlap between symptoms of GERD and those of eosinophilic esophagitis,
functional dyspepsia, and gastroparesis, posing a challenge for patient management.