FEATURED SEARCH TERM: GERD
If your patient over age 65 mentions a nagging cough, consider the possibility that the cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In a recent prospective study, 300 people in that age group agreed to undergo upper endoscopy in conjunction with their routine colonoscopy. Among those who reported a history of frequent coughing, nearly a third showed signs of GERD. (One in four did not show any signs of esophageal reflux.) Of those people diagnosed with GERD, one in five had Barrett's esophagus and 14% had erosive esophagitis
RESULT: Older Patients With Cough Complaints More Likely to Have GERD Symptoms
PeerView Press | Dec 12, 2011 (FREE FULL TEXT)
No specific clinical or pathological finding can be used to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), according to this review. It can be a challenge to differentiate EoE from GERD, and the two disorders may coexist. But finding an accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine appropriate treatment. The article describes the typical endoscopic signs, and discusses whether allergy testing has a role in diagnosis.
RESULT: Approach to Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Gastroenterology & Hepatology | Dec 12, 2011 (FREE FULL TEXT)
