Volume : 13, Issue : 06, June – 2026
Title:
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD): PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSTIC STRATEGIES, AND THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES
Authors :
Nimitha K Rajan, Dr. T. Tamilselvan , Athira Sajeev, Jismi Jackson
Abstract :
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common, complex gastrointestinal ailment that has a significant public health impact and significantly reduces health-related quality of life (HRQoL) worldwide. Moving beyond the simple concept of acid overproduction, modern medical research defines GERD as a multifactorial neuro-gastroenterological continuum characterised by LES dysfunction, impaired esophageal clearance, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and visceral hypersensitivity. This narrative overview combines fundamental pathophysiology, evolutionary and epidemiological risk factors, new diagnostic methods, and modern multi-modal therapy strategies to provide a concise, comprehensive matrix of GERD care.
A total of 30 important articles, including high-impact peer-reviewed reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and meta-analyses published before 2026, were meticulously collated and appraised for clinical significance. The accumulated evidence emphasises that optimal long-term management necessitates a transition from empirical, trial-and-error acid suppression to a precision framework that incorporates targeted pharmacotherapy (such as advanced potassium-competitive acid blockers), structured dietary nutraceutical interventions, and conservative physical or surgical modalities. The clinical pharmacist plays an essential role in this multidisciplinary healthcare matrix by steering therapeutic drug monitoring, optimising medication reconciliation, evaluating patient-reported outcome measures, and enforcing strict stewardship to reduce the systemic adverse events associated with chronic proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.
Through drug review, therapeutic monitoring, patient counselling, medication reconciliation, and evaluation of treatment results, clinical chemists play a critical role in optimising GERD management.Pharmacist-led interventions can reduce side effects from long-term acid-suppressive therapy, encourage sensible drug use, and increase medication adherence. To sum up, in order to enhance symptom control, HRQoL, and overall clinical outcomes, successful GERD therapy necessitates an integrated multidisciplinary approach that incorporates precise diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing patient monitoring.
Keywords: GERD Pathophysiology, Lower Esophageal Sphincter, Visceral Hypersensitivity, Reflux Diagnostic Matrix, Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers, Clinical Pharmacy Stewardship
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Nimitha K Rajan et al., Comprehensive Review Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Strategies, And Therapeutic Advances, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(06).
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