[Differential diagnosis of GERD]

Abstract

It was widely accepted that the prevalence of GERD is lower in Oriental countries compared to Western countries. But the incidence of GERD has recently increased in Japan. The most commonly recognized manifestation of GERD is heartburn or a substernal burning sensation in the chest. Most patients with reflux esophagitis complain of typical symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation or dysphagia. However, some patients complain of atypical symptoms such as hoarse voice, chronic cough, adult-onset asthma or vocal cord polyps. It is not always easy to diagnose atypical symptomatic patients as GERD. If patients who complain of these atypical symptoms have not improved with common medical treatment, GERD should be the consideration in its differential diagnosis.