Clinical consequences of silent gastroesophageal reflux disease

Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2006 Jun;8(3):195-201. doi: 10.1007/s11894-006-0075-8.

Abstract

Silent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common phenomenon that involves the incidental finding of erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and the evolution of esophageal adenocarcinoma in asymptomatic patients. The reasons for having advanced GERD without clearly identifiable symptoms are poorly understood, primarily due to lack of recognition of this important phenomenon. The clinical implications of silent GERD are vast and should provide the impetus for further research into this group of patients. Recent studies have suggested that sleep disturbances and poor quality of sleep could be the needed clues to identify individuals with silent GERD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Barrett Esophagus / diagnosis
  • Barrett Esophagus / epidemiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / diagnosis*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors