Gastroesophageal reflux disease – a small problem, a big problem

  Nowadays, GERD is becoming more and more prevalent, and people are not aware of it enough. With the development of the disease, it has become an “invisible killer” around us.  In addition to the typical clinical manifestations of heartburn and acid reflux, the disease is also associated with chest and back pain, belching and other symptoms, and if not given enough attention, asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. If treated promptly and effectively, it can cause great harm to the body and mind.  Do not underestimate GERD, not only because its incidence is increasing year by year, but mainly because of its many complications: (1) To esophagus: reflux esophagitis, erosive esophagitis, non-erosive esophagitis, Barrette’s esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, etc.  (2) Outside the esophagus: reflux of gastric contents into the mouth can cause pharyngitis, sinusitis, dental caries, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.  In addition, surveys show that about 80% of GERD patients have difficulty sleeping due to acid reflux and heartburn, causing a great burden to study and work. The prevalence of GERD in China is 6.7% and is expected to grow at a rate of 2% to 5% per year in the future. Since this disease has not received sufficient attention, the mortality rate is increasing year by year.