Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Iran

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has become rather common in western countries over the past couple of decades.(1), It has a profound effect on health economics, disturbs patients' quality of life and increases the risk for development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.(2), GERD usually presents with a burning sensation extending up along the sternum (heartburn), and regurgitation (defined major symptoms), but it may have a broad spectrum of atypical manifestations including chronic cough, asthma, non cardiac chest pain and otolaryngological symptoms.(3) None of the currently available para-clinical means of workup fulfill the standards to serve as a gold standard for diagnosis of GERD, therefore a carefully obtained history looking for typical and atypical symptoms of GERD is currently considered the best way to make the diagnosis. |*Corresponding author: Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Avenue, DDRC, 14114, Tehran, Iran. Telefax: +98 21 88012992 E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT