The role of gastroesophageal reflux disease in chest pain

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of noncardiac, unexplained, chest pain. The physiopathological mechanism of this extraesophageal manifestation, remains unclear but it is supposed that the ache could be triggered by the stimulation of acid-sensitive nociceptors of the mucosa. The esophageal origin of the symptom may be identified by an empiric trial of high-dose antisecretory drugs or an abnormal prolonged ambulatory pH monitoring study. Less important is the role of endoscopy especially in subjects without typical symptoms of GERD. The use of manometry or provocative tests can consent to evaluate for esophageal motility abnormalities. It is generally accepted that in clinical practice, in patients with non-cardiac chest pain, the administration of proton pump inhibitors, could serve as a first approach. It is cost-effective in the short-term period, when compared with investigation for gastrointestinal causes, with cost savings persisting beyond a year. In conclusion, patients with non-cardiac chest pain of unknown origin should be carefully screened for the occurrence of GERD, but further research is needed to clarify the role of the latter on the pathogenesis of this symptom.