Introduction to gastroesophageal reflux disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disease that seriously affects people’s quality of life and is caused by the reflux of gastric contents, including bile salts and pancreatic enzymes from the duodenum into the stomach, into the esophagus, with the main symptoms being reflux and heartburn. Due to the lack of awareness of the disease, it is often characterized by “one high, three low”, i.e. high incidence, low awareness, low consultation rate and low treatment rate. Etiology of GERD GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly. The lower esophageal sphincter acts like a one-way valve to close the esophagus, allowing food to pass freely into the stomach and preventing reflux. In GERD patients, the lower esophageal sphincter closes abnormally or relaxes inappropriately during swallowing, allowing acid and some of the food to reflux and cauterize the lower esophagus, causing heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Diet and lifestyle can also affect lower esophageal sphincter function. Certain foods and beverages, including: chocolate, mint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, may reduce lower esophageal sphincter tone and cause reflux and heartburn. Smoking can cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Obesity and pregnancy can also cause GERD. Symptoms of GERD The clinical manifestations of GERD are diverse and vary in severity, with some symptoms being more typical and others being confusing and non-characteristic. Heartburn and acid reflux are the most common symptoms of GERD, often appearing one hour after a meal, especially after a full meal. It is aggravated by lying down, bending over in a stooped position or holding the breath with force, and can be disturbed by waking up while asleep. Other symptoms include pain in the throat, dysphagia, retrosternal pain, and discomfort in the pharynx. Severe reflux esophagitis can lead to chronic pharyngitis, hoarseness of the vocal cords, asthma attacks, or aspiration pneumonia due to aspiration of the refluxed material. Treatment of GERD 1. General treatment. For patients with mild symptoms, it is not necessary to take medication and adjust the lifestyle to reduce acid reflux. To reduce recumbency and nocturnal reflux, the foot of the bed at the head end can be elevated by 15-20 cm. obese people should actively reduce their weight. Constipation and tight girdles can increase abdominal pressure and should be avoided as much as possible. It is not advisable to eat before going to bed or to lie in bed immediately after eating during the day. Control the diet, eat less and more often. Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, chocolate and high-fat diet. At the same time, should avoid taking nitroglycerin preparations, calcium channel blockers, theophylline and β2 agonists and other drugs that can cause reflux. 2. Drug therapy. Including: pro-gastrointestinal dynamics drugs, acid suppressants and mucosal protective agents. 3.Surgical treatment. 4.Treatment of complications. This refers to the treatment of esophageal strictures and Barrett’s esophagus. People at high risk of GERD should be actively prevented for the cause of the disease, and after the clear diagnosis of GERD patients, comprehensive treatment measures should be taken with proper guidance and systematic treatment. The disease is prone to recurrence, so maintenance therapy should be continued and medication used rationally after the course of treatment.