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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2025; 31(1): 98479
Published online Jan 7, 2025. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i1.98479
Unveiling the intricacies: Insight into gastroesophageal reflux disease
Nilanka Wickramasinghe, Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana
Nilanka Wickramasinghe, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 00800, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama 11010, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Author contributions: Wickramasinghe N and Devanarayana NM wrote the main manuscript text and prepared figures and tables.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana, MBBS, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, Ragama 11010, Western Province, Sri Lanka. niranga@kln.ac.lk
Received: June 27, 2024
Revised: October 26, 2024
Accepted: November 11, 2024
Published online: January 7, 2025
Processing time: 165 Days and 6.8 Hours
Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) poses a substantial global health challenge, with prevalence rates exhibiting geographical variation. Despite its widespread recognition, the exact prevalence and associated risk factors remain elusive. This article comprehensively analyzed the global burden of GERD, shedding light on its risk factors, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, current diagnostic modalities, evolving management strategies tailored to diverse patient profiles, and complex determinants contributing to treatment failures. A deeper comprehension of GERD is achieved by dissecting these intricate facets, paving the way for enhanced clinical management and improved patient outcomes.

Keywords: Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Risk factors; Pathophysiological mechanisms; Diagnosis; Management

Core Tip: To enhance physicians' understanding of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is crucial to comprehensively examine its risk factors, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, current diagnostic modalities, and diverse management strategies tailored to various patient profiles. Additionally, identifying the determinants contributing to treatment failures is essential. By delving into these aspects, healthcare providers can better address GERD, a significant global health challenge.