Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a diagnosis made by both primary care providers and specialists. Even though the prevalence of GERD is high, there remains limitations in the current diagnostic tests for GERD. There are recent advances in GERD diagnostics and treatment options. Esophageal motility disorders compose the most important issues which should be kept in mind in differential diagnosis. Primary esophageal motility disorders need a specialized approach with a precise knowledge of high resolution manometric parameters and expertise in the management.
The huge problem with the esophageal disorders is the presentation of most of them are very similar. However, the management differ drastically. Hence dysphagia, odynophagia, heartburn, regurgitation, non-cardiac chest pain, respiratory symptoms might mislead the physician and delay the diagnosis. There are patients with achalasia who are unfortunately treated as GERD for years and other examples of misdiagnosis. Upper gastroenterologic endoscopic interventions usually cannot differentiate GERD and motility disorders since the incidences of non-erosive GERD are rising. Thus, robust and clearly written manuscripts summarizing the guidelines on these topics (both on GERD and primary motility disorders of the esophagus) are needed.
.
The scope will be focusing on accurate diagnosis and management of GERD and primary motility disorders of the esophagus. Here are some proposed sub-themes:
• Diagnosis of GERD;
• Management of GERD;
• Refractory GERD;
• Primary esophageal motility disorders;
• Functional disorders of the esophagus.
Topic Editor Michael Vaezi is a consultant to Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Consultant to Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Co-Owner of Patent on Mucosal Integrity Testing for GERD. All other Topic Editors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a diagnosis made by both primary care providers and specialists. Even though the prevalence of GERD is high, there remains limitations in the current diagnostic tests for GERD. There are recent advances in GERD diagnostics and treatment options. Esophageal motility disorders compose the most important issues which should be kept in mind in differential diagnosis. Primary esophageal motility disorders need a specialized approach with a precise knowledge of high resolution manometric parameters and expertise in the management.
The huge problem with the esophageal disorders is the presentation of most of them are very similar. However, the management differ drastically. Hence dysphagia, odynophagia, heartburn, regurgitation, non-cardiac chest pain, respiratory symptoms might mislead the physician and delay the diagnosis. There are patients with achalasia who are unfortunately treated as GERD for years and other examples of misdiagnosis. Upper gastroenterologic endoscopic interventions usually cannot differentiate GERD and motility disorders since the incidences of non-erosive GERD are rising. Thus, robust and clearly written manuscripts summarizing the guidelines on these topics (both on GERD and primary motility disorders of the esophagus) are needed.
.
The scope will be focusing on accurate diagnosis and management of GERD and primary motility disorders of the esophagus. Here are some proposed sub-themes:
• Diagnosis of GERD;
• Management of GERD;
• Refractory GERD;
• Primary esophageal motility disorders;
• Functional disorders of the esophagus.
Topic Editor Michael Vaezi is a consultant to Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Consultant to Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Co-Owner of Patent on Mucosal Integrity Testing for GERD. All other Topic Editors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
