AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
When Reflux Becomes Disease
- GORD is defined by troublesome heartburn and food regurgitation occurring frequently, not by occasional reflux.
- Symptoms become pathologic when they occur more than two to three times per week and impair quality of life.
Make The Diagnosis Clinically First
- Diagnose GORD clinically by asking targeted questions about heartburn and regurgitation.
- Use endoscopy selectively rather than routinely for every patient.
Use Endoscopy Only For Alarm Signs
- Reserve upper endoscopy for patients with alarm features like dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, older age, or anemia.
- Avoid routine endoscopy for all heartburn patients to maximize yield and cost-effectiveness.