Gastric Reflux Illness is a very frequent condition that affects up to 20% of the entire population, and is indicated when there is reflux of the gastric contents towards the oesophagus, causing bothersome symptoms to the patient.
These symptoms are acid regurgitation or retrosternal burning that is usually alleviated with an anti-secretory treatment. On occasions, patients with GRI present atypical symptoms such as hiccough, nausea, thoracic pain, retrosternal balloon sensation, or even a dry cough, laryngitis, or pharyngeal irritation.
The diagnosis of this illness can be established through clinical criteria, although it is sometimes necessary to resort to supplementary diagnostic procedures such as a gastroscopy and/or a 24-hour pH testing.
Most patients usually respond well to pharmacological treatment combined with changes in their lifestyles, and only select cases need to resort to endoscopic or surgical treatments.
It is important to consult a digestive system specialist should the symptoms of Gastric Reflux Illness develop, in order to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.