ABSTRACT
Although the esophagus was initially considered as the "humble" organ, it has in recent times evoked both substantial interest and considerable controversy as esophagitis becomes a global pandemic and the debate over the causes of esophagitis and the management of Barrett's has escalated. The esophagus has always defied easy understanding and the origins of its name and its symptomatology continue to confound those who address them. Esophagitis is increasing relentlessly on a global scale and the challenge of defining its symptomatology remains today as great a problem as when initially identified by Herwig Hamperl and Asher Winkelstein. Their identification of the entity they called "peptic esophagitis" in 1934, while initially for the most part overlooked, has today become one of the centers of gastroenterological focus. Although the initial symptomatology of esophagitis was limited to heartburn, it has more recently become apparent that a diverse group of symptoms is produced by the inflammation associated with intermittent reflux of gastric acid. Of interest is the nature of the original observations that led to the identification of the physiopathology of esophagitis and the elucidation of the relationship between symptomatology, acid reflux and inflammation. Although Asher Winkelstein of New York has long been considered the first to define the relationship of acid peptic reflux, esophageal ulceration and reflux symptomatology, it is of note to consider the seminal role of Herwig Hamperl, an Austrian pathologist in the elucidation of acid peptic esophagitis. Indeed, a careful consideration of the relative contributions of these two pioneers suggests that both deserve credit for identifying a disease process that, although initially for the most part ignored by clinicians, has now become one of the most fundamental problems faced by both gastroenterologists and pathologists.
Subject(s)
Esophagitis, Peptic/history , Heartburn/history , History, 15th Century , History, 16th Century , History, 17th Century , History, 18th Century , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , History, Ancient , History, Medieval , InternationalityABSTRACT
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common during pregnancy. The pathogenesis is a decrease in lower oesophageal sphincter pressure caused by female sex hormones, especially progesterone. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Nevertheless, serious reflux complications during pregnancy are rare. In contrast to non-pregnant patients, GERD during pregnancy should be managed with a step-up algorithm beginning with lifestyle modifications and dietary changes. Antacids or sucralfate are considered the first-line on-demand drug therapy. If symptoms persist, any of the histamine-2-receptor antagonists can be used. Proton pump inhibitors are reserved for women with intractable symptoms or complicated reflux disease. Usually, heartburn during pregnancy resolves soon after delivery but little is known about the late sequelae or, respectively, an influence on subsequent pregnancies. Accordingly a prospective study (longitudinal cohort analysis) is currently underway.
