Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder that affects 10% to 30% of individuals in the United States.<sup>21 Richter J.E. Extraesophageal presentations of gastroesophageal reflux disease[published erratum appears in Semin Gastrointest Dis 1997 Oct;8:210] Semin Gastrointest Dis 1997 ;  8 : 75-89

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> A population-based survey of Olmsted County, Minnesota, found that weekly heartburn and acid regurgitation occur in 20% of inhabitants.<sup>14 Locke G.R., Talley N.J., Fett S.L. , e al. Prevalence and clinical spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux: A population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota Gastroenterology 1997 ;  112 : 1448-1456  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Patients with GERD symptoms may have a spectrum of endoscopic findings, ranging from normal endoscopy (endoscopy-negative) to severe ulcerative esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, or strictures. Most current understanding of GERD comes from patients with significant esophagitis. Evidence that is reviewed in this article confirms, however, that a large number of patients with GERD have no endoscopic esophagitis. This article focuses on developments in understanding of patients with endoscopy-negative GERD.