GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: THE NEW EPIDEMIC

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although known for a long time, has come to clinical attention only during the past 15 years. Currently, it is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in the west and apparently on increase in Iran and other eastern countries as well. Therefore, it is timely to review this topic and update our knowledge on various aspects including the epidemiology, pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of GERD, and its future trends