[Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Standards of the Czech Society of Gastroenterology--actualization 2009].

Presently, gastroesophageal reflux disease is defined as a disorder where reflux of the stomach content is bothersome and/or brings about complications. The state when macroscopically detectable erosions of mucosa are present is known as erosive reflux disease and the term non-erosive reflux disease is used for the condition with no macroscopic erosions. Reflux oesophagitis is a frequent sign of the disease. A condition, where reflux symptoms persist or new occur and oesophagitis healing fails to take place despite maximum treatment, is classified as refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. The main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include heartburn and regurgitation. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may, less frequently, manifest itself with isolated non-oesophageal symptoms, e.g. recurring upper respiratory tract infections or bronchial asthma. Etiopathogenesis involves refluxate, motility disorders, altered anatomic proportions, protective mechanisms disorder and external factors. Diagnosis takes place on the basis of typical symptomatology and endoscopic examination. Complications include bleeding, ulceration, strictures and Barrett's oesophagus. Lifestyle and dietary measures are an important treatment approach as are pharmacological (antisecretion and prokinetic agents) as well as surgical management.