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GERD in Elderly
GERD is less symptomatic and more severe in
older patients. The reason is that they more frequently have impaired motility
of the esophageal muscles, larger hiatus hernias, decreased saliva volume (acts
as a neutralizer of acid), take medications that can reduce the strength of
the sphincter, and finally they are more recumbent (particularly observed in
the nursing home patients). Older patients often have complicated diseases
including erosive esophagitis, peptic stricture, Barrett's esophagitis, ENT,
pulmonary complications and iron deficiency anemia. Endoscopy is indicated
in all elderly patients with GERD regardless of symptom severity. Treatment
of GERD in elderly patients is the same as in younger groups.
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