Patients that do not respond satisfactorily to standard proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment have become the most common presentation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in third referral gastrointestinal practices. The causes of refractory GERD include lack of compliance with treatment, residual acid reflux and weakly acidic reflux, esophageal hypersensitivity and persistent symptoms not associated with reflux. A role for weakly acidic reflux in symptom generation has been proposed since the availability of impedance-pH monitoring. The possible mechanisms by which persistent weakly acidic reflux might contribute to persistent symptoms in patients under PPI treatment may include esophageal distension by increased reflux volume, persistent impaired mucosal integrity (ie, dilation of intercellular spaces) and/or esophageal hypersensitivity to weakly acidic reflux events. To establish a definite role of weakly acidic reflux in refractory GERD, outcome studies targeting this type of reflux are still lacking. Treatment strategies to reduce the number or effect of weakly acidic reflux could involve drugs that decrease transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (ie, baclofen or similar), improve oesophageal mucosa resistance or visceral pain modulators. Finally, anti-reflux surgery can be considered, only if a clear symptom-weakly acidic reflux association was demonstrated.
Baclofen ; Compliance ; Dust ; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Heartburn ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Mucous Membrane ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Proton Pump Inhibitors ; Proton Pumps ; Protons ; Referral and Consultation ; Relaxation ; Visceral Pain

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that encompasses esophageal symptoms along with eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium. EoE is an evolving disease that has been a subject of interest to many researchers since the first studies recognized this condition as a new and distinct clinicopathological entity 25 years ago. Clinical presentation in adult patients may include dysphagia, food impaction, vomiting, and reflux symptoms. The diagnosis of EoE is based on the combination of clinical history suggestive of esophageal dysfunction, endoscopic features indicative of the disease, and histology revealing eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium that persists after a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy along with the exclusion of other disorders that may be associated with esophageal tissue eosinophilia. The interplay between EoE and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is complex, and differentiating these two conditions continues to be difficult and challenging in clinical practice. The mainstay treatment includes dietary modification, topical steroids, and/or endoscopic dilation. The primary care physician (PCP) plays an important role in improving patient care and quality of life by ensuring early referral and participating in management and follow-up. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge base regarding the disease including epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, common clinical presentations, the interplay between EoE and GERD, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic options available to the PCP.