Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Elderly Patient.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an especially common disorder in the elderly population. Its presentation in this population is often different from that in younger patients. A greater proportion of patients experience atypical GERD symptoms rather than heartburn or regurgitation, increasing the likelihood the diagnosis will be missed or overlooked. Elderly patients more commonly present with severe erosive esophagitis and GERD complications compared with younger patients, and thus may require more aggressive therapy. While diagnostic work-up and management of GERD in elderly patients is similar to the general population and primarily involves acid suppression with endoscopic and surgical techniques reserved for refractory cases, there are many important considerations that are particular to the elderly.