GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595162524032

• Palavras-chave: "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease", "GERD", "Risk Factors", "Diagnosis", "Treatment", "Quality of Life".

• Keywords: "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease", "GERD", "Risk Factors", "Diagnosis", "Treatment", "Quality of Life".

• Abstract:

  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) has a high prevalence in various populations, especially in Western countries, where it affects between 10% and 20% of the adult population. Epidemiological studies show that factors such as obesity, a high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and genetic predisposition are strongly associated with the development of the disease. Early identification of these risk factors is fundamental for implementing preventive strategies that can reduce the incidence of GERD and minimize its long-term complications.
  The symptoms of GERD vary from typical manifestations, such as heartburn, regurgitation and chest pain, to atypical symptoms, such as chronic cough, laryngitis and dental erosion. Studies indicate that GERD can progress to more serious complications, including erosive esophagitis, esophageal stenosis and Barrett's esophagus, a precursor condition to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The clinical impact of the disease is significant, compromising patients' quality of life, especially when symptoms become persistent or severe.
  Therapeutic strategies for GERD include lifestyle changes, drug treatment and surgical interventions. Clinical studies show that weight loss, elevating the head of the bed and adopting a balanced diet significantly reduce symptoms. Among the drugs, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have the highest efficacy rate in reducing gastric acidity, outperforming H2 antagonists and antacids. For cases refractory to clinical treatment, laparoscopic fundoplication has been shown to be an effective alternative, with high success rates in reducing symptoms and improving esophageal function.
  The impact of GERD on quality of life goes beyond physical symptoms, affecting patients' sleep, emotional well-being and professional performance. Studies indicate a strong correlation between GERD and disorders such as anxiety and depression, which reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing the disease. Appropriate treatment, whether clinical or surgical, has shown a significant improvement in patients' quality of life, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and personalizing therapeutic strategies according to the severity of symptoms and the individual characteristics of each patient.