Introductory Chapter: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs frequently in developed countries. The number of cases, in fact, is increasing in the Middle East countries. In western countries, its occurrence ranges from 10 to 20% of the population who may present with typical or atypical symptoms or with complications. Although GERD was described by Asher Winkelstein, an American gastroenterologist, in 1935, it had appeared among patients earlier than that time. Nowadays, cases of GERD are common among obese individuals, patients with gallbladder disease, and those individuals under stress. It has also become a common clinical problem that commonly affects young adults, both male and female, of 40 years old.