Expert Guidance on Evaluating Possible Extraesophageal Complications of GERD

An AGA committee offers current best practices for this common referral to gastroenterologists.

Sponsoring Organization: American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)

Target Audience: Gastroenterologists, primary care providers, pulmonologists, allergists, otolaryngologists

Background and Objective

Over the last two decades, in the heat of discussions about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there was a common philosophy that the classic features of heartburn and regurgitation were just the “tip of the iceberg,” below which were the majority of patients whose undiagnosed GERD manifested via wide-ranging extraesophageal complications. This hypothesis has led to extended controversy about whether these alleged GERD complications are actually related to GERD and amenable to acid reduction therapies directed at treatment of GERD.

Now, t…

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