Does Helicobacter pylori infection contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Helicobacter pylori organisms that infect the stomach conceivably could contribute to esophageal inflammation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) through any of at least three potential mechanisms: 1) by causing an increase in gastric acid secretion; 2) by spreading to infect the gastric-type columnar epithelium that occasionally can line the distal esophagus; and/or 3) by secreting noxious bacterial products into the gastric juice. Studies regarding these potential mechanisms are discussed in this report. Most investigations have found no apparent association between H. pylori infection and reflux esophagitis. Presently, infection with H. pylori does not appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of GERD.