[Gastroesophageal reflux in the adult: diagnosis and treatment].

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a frequent problem affecting up to one third of the Belgian adult population. It is most often a benign non evolutive disease. It is however frequently chronic, with a significant negative impact on quality of life. The diagnostic and therapeutic management must be adapted to each individual case. In the majority of cases, the purpose of therapy is the control of symptoms and, in a small number of cases with severe oesophagitis the aim is a complete and persistent healing of lesions. A Franco-Belgian consensus meeting on diagnostic and therapeutic management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in adults was recently held. Guidelines have been proposed. The aim of the present paper is to highlight the main principles of these guidelines and to comment on their adjustment to current belgian medical practice.