senile gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly refers to a disease caused by excessive contact (or exposure) of the gastroesophageal lumen to gastric juice, resulting in clinical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and esophageal mucosal injury. The occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux and its complications is multifactorial, including defects in the esophagus' own anti-reflux mechanisms, such as lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction and esophageal body motility abnormalities, as well as functional disorders of various extra-esophageal mechanical factors. Symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation are common, and it can lead to esophagitis and damage to tissues outside the esophagus, including the pharynx, larynx, and airways.