[Features of gastroesophageal reflux disease in elderly patients (literature review).]

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly not only in our country, but also worldwide. In this regard, the issues of early diagnosis and development of an individualized approach to the treatment of this disease are of particular relevance. When addressing these issues, it is necessary to take into account a number of features in patients of older age groups, which include polymorbidity and polypharmacotherapy in combination with anatomical, physiological and functional age-related changes. These features are primarily reflected in the clinical picture of GERD in elderly patients, which is characterized by a more severe course with predominance of extraesophageal manifestations. Taking into account this fact, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy and subsequent histologic examination is recommended as the first line of diagnostics in patients of this age group. This method allows to suspect the presence of pathological reflux, to determine the degree of damage to the esophageal mucosa and to start therapy as early as possible. Pantoprozone is preferred as a first-line drug in comorbid elderly patients, all other patients are recommended to prescribe other representatives of this group in a standard daily dose. The main goal of early diagnosis and timely prescription of therapy for GERD in elderly patients is to achieve a stable remission, improve the quality of life and prevent the development of GERD.