Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is currently one of the most common health problems in the Western world, affecting up to 20% of the adult population weekly and 50% monthly. It generates substantial suffering among patients as well as significant costs to both patients and society in general. GERD can further result in serious complications such as esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. This review discusses the current knowledge on risk factors and potential protective factors in the development of GERD.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.