Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux is the backward flow of gastric contents—primarily acid, pepsin, and sometimes bile—from the stomach into the esophagus, due to dysfunction of the antireflux barrier most often at the lower esophageal sphincter[1][2][3][5]. This process can lead to symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, or to more serious complications if chronic, such as esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, or strictures.\n\nAlternative targets for therapy include:\n- Proton pumps (H+/K+ ATPase, the target of proton pump inhibitors)\n- Histamine H2-receptors (targeted by H2-receptor antagonists)\n- Muscarinic receptors (targeted by anticholinergic agents)\n- Lower esophageal sphincter (targeted indirectly by prokinetic agents or surgery)\n\nIn summary, "gastroesophageal reflux" is not itself a valid molecular therapeutic target; it is a clinical phenomenon or disease process rather than a discrete molecular structure.

Other names

Gastro-oesophageal refluxacid refluxGERD (when referring to disease form)