Med. praxi. 2026;23(2):112-117 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2026.013

Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease - up to date

MUDr. Lucie Zdrhová^{1, 2}, MUDr. Karel Balihar, Ph.D.¹

¹ Oddělení gastroenterologie hepatologie, I. interní klinika FN LF UK Plzeň

² Centrum pohybové medicíny Pavla Koláře, Praha

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases encountered by both primary care physicians and gastroenterologists in their specialized outpatient clinics. Reflux symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, or chest pain may indicate not only true reflux disease, but also extra-esophageal diseases, including disorders of impaired autonomic nervous system balance. The management of patients with reflux symptoms has changed significantly in recent years, mainly due to the increased use of diagnostic methods such as 24-hour pH metry with impedance, wireless esophageal pH metry, and high-resolution esophageal manometry. These functional esophageal methods play a key role in determining the etiopathogenesis of reflux symptoms and defining the phenotype of a particular patient. This allows not only to individualize treatment, but also to reduce the use of antireflux medication. Early and accurate diagnosis of reflux symptoms is crucial for modern RCHJ treatment.

Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux disease, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, Bravo capsule, esophageal manometry, diaphragmatic breathing.

Received: March 5, 2026; Revised: March 28, 2026; Accepted: March 31, 2026; Published: April 28, 2026  Show citation