Gastroesophageal reflux disease, pH monitoring, and treatment

Research into the causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease continues to cover a broad base. It ranges from the roles of transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter, neural control mechanisms, nitric oxide, and impairment of the crural diaphragm in the production of reflux, to the roles of mucosal bicarbonate secretion, mucosal blood flow, and epithelial cell acid handling in the protection of the esophageal mucosa. Impaired …