A narrative review of the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Over the years gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has become a common disease worldwide affecting most countries and their populations. The history of the digestive system dates back to the 1400's and reports on how the stomach had an acidic environment. The acidity and contents of the stomach refluxing up into the esophagus was later found in some cases to cause detrimental effects to one's health. The earliest reports of reflux disease began in 1935 and was described as peptic esophagus. Many GERD patients complain of reflux, which is a back flow of gastric contents from the stomach into the esophagus, throat, lungs and airways. It is knowledge in the present day that GERD has a variety of symptoms such as regurgitation, coughing and heartburn greatly impacting on an individual's quality of life (QOL). An increased awareness of the pathology of GERD has allowed for a number of treatments and medicines to be developed, clinically evaluated and used worldwide. To gain an insight into how prevalent GERD is globally, this review will aim to report on its prevalence in different countries and regions of the world and report on the relevant causes associated with GERD. The influence of age, obesity, pregnancy, stress, smoking and alcohol on GERD will be reviewed along with the role of diet and how certain foods and drinks can trigger reflux events. Future research of the prevalence of GERD will help to educate people on lifestyle choices to manage GERD symptoms which in turn will improve quality of life and prevent GERD and GERD related diseases.