1. What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the esophagus causing symptoms such as heartburn, reflux esophagitis, and damage to tissues other than the esophagus such as the throat and airway. About 7-15% of the population has GERD symptoms, and the incidence increases with age, with 40-60 years being the high incidence age. A significant proportion of patients with GERD may have no endoscopic manifestations of esophagitis, and this type of GERD is also known as endoscopically negative GERD or non-erosive reflux disease. 2. What are the manifestations of GERD? Esophageal symptoms are acid reflux, heartburn, belching and angina-like retrosternal pain episodes, dysphagia, acid reflux and heartburn often appear one hour after meals, and can be aggravated when lying down, bending over or increasing abdominal pressure; atypical symptoms such as hoarseness, foreign body sensation in the throat, blockage in the throat, chronic cough, asthma, etc., often lead to misdiagnosis. 3.What factors are related to the occurrence of GERD? GERD is mainly caused by lowered lower esophageal sphincter pressure, transient LES relaxation, weakened ability of the esophagus to remove food, and irritation and damage to the esophageal mucosa by refluxed material (including stomach acid and bile). In addition to the above, it is also related to the patient’s age, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, psychological factors, dietary habits, exertion and certain drugs. 4. Laboratory and other tests (1) Endoscopy: Endoscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose reflux esophagitis and can determine the severity of reflux esophagitis and the presence of complications, combined with biopsy can be differentiated from other causes of esophagitis and other esophageal lesions. (2) 24-hour esophageal PH monitoring: It can provide objective evidence of the presence of excessive acid reflux in the esophagus for 24 hours. (3) Esophageal barium swallow X-ray: This test is performed for those who are unwilling or unable to tolerate endoscopy, but it is not very sensitive for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis. (4) Esophageal acid drip test: Patients with retrosternal pain or heartburn during acid drip are positive. (5) Esophageal manometry: LES resting pressure is 10-30 mmHg, if LES <6 mmHg is prone to reflux. 5.What medications are needed for GERD? It mainly includes gastrointestinal stimulants, acid suppressants, antacids, etc. 6.What do I need to pay attention to when I have GERD? (1) Lifestyle changes: elevate the head of the bed by 15-20cm, avoid lying down immediately after meals and eating 2 hours before bedtime; avoid tightening the belt; recommend losing weight and keeping the bowels open, etc. (2) Change the way you eat: you should quit smoking and alcohol; avoid eating high fat, chocolate, coffee, strong tea, etc. (3) Take other medications correctly, it is recommended to regulate the use of medications under the guidance of a doctor.