Ayushi Ahuja

Reflux Risk Factors: A GERD Review

Started Apr. 1, 2024

Abstract or project description

How do genetic and environmental influences lead to a diagnosis of GERD and presentation of typical symptoms associated with the disease? This paper is reviewing risk factors associated with GERD with a heavy focus on genetic risk factors. Existing literature will be reviewed in order to understand the causes behind common presentations of GERD, specifically focusing on genetic and environmental influences. Common symptoms and presentation of GERD will be defined to provide a clear background of the issues being explored through the paper. Prevalence and risk factors will also be stated to account for control factors. Current research on four genes associated with GERD will be summarized as well as methods to further understand these genetic correlations. Additional exploration into other risk factors such as environmental factors including age and diet will be discussed. Existing treatments will be summarized, with emphasis on those that target the genetic causes explored in this paper. Finally, future research directions will be suggested to further advance the knowledge of GERD genetic risk and potentially improve the treatment of GERD.