Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Pathologic retrograde movement of gastric contents into the esophagus causing typical symptoms and/or mucosal injury, including reflux esophagitis and potential complications such as Barrett esophagus. Possible causes are hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, large fatty/fried meals, citrus, lying down right after a heavy meal, tobacco, caffeine, stress, gastroparesis, medications (NSAIDs, calcium-channel blockers, antidepressants), and scleroderma.