GERD and Aging

Age-related degradation of the gastroesophageal junction and progressive impairment of esophageal clearance result in more-severe GERD.

The prevalence of erosive esophagitis and other complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease increase with age. Additionally, among all people with GERD, older adults are more likely to suffer severe complications, such as Barrett esophagus and esophageal carcinoma, than are younger people. To provide pathophysiologic explanations for the higher prevalence of complicated GERD in older people, researchers investigated the effects of aging on esophageal physiology in a large population of patients with reflux symptoms.

This retrospective analysis involved 1307 patients (mean age, 49; range, 15–92) who were directed to a European tertiary referral unit from 2000 through 2004 for evaluation of GERD. Patients’ resting lower esophageal sphinct…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors