Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the amount of gastric juice that refluxes into the esophagus exceeds the normal limit, causing symptoms with or without associated esophageal mucosal injury

Signs and symptoms

Typical esophageal symptoms include the following:

- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Dysphagia
- Abnormal reflux can cause atypical (extraesophageal) symptoms, such as the following:

  + Coughing and/or wheezing
  + Hoarseness, sore throat
  + Otitis media
  + Noncardiac chest pain
  + Enamel erosion or other dental manifestations
  + A history of nausea, vomiting, or regurgitation should alert the physician to evaluate for delayed gastric emptying.

Management  Lifestyle modifications used in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease include the following:

- Losing weight (if overweight)
- Avoiding alcohol, chocolate, citrus juice, and tomato-based products
- Avoiding peppermint, coffee, and possibly the onion family [7]
- Eating small, frequent meals rather than large meals
- Waiting 3 hours after a meal to lie down
- Refraining from ingesting food (except liquids) within 3 hours of bedtime
- Elevating the head of the bed 8 inches
- Avoiding bending or stooping positions