Review article: management issues in acid-related disorders in the elderly

Abstract

The population of Japan is rapidly ageing and this, along with the Westernization of the diet, is expected to increase the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Issues that call for attention by Asian gastroenterologists in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in the geriatric population include functional changes associated with ageing, such as a lower sensitivity to acid stimulation or pain leading to more atypical presenting symptoms vs. greater severity of disease, common swallowing problems, polypharmacy, and the slower metabolism of the drugs by the kidney.

The optimal management of acid-related disorders in the elderly will need to adequately address all these issues.