Although GERD was initially described in the early 19th century, it is essentially a consequence of our modern day largesse. Dietary factors and associated obesity have combined with as yet other unknown factors (. a decrease in the prevalence of H. pylori?) to make GERD one of the most common diseases affecting western society. It is estimated that up to 20 million adults in the United States suffer from GERD, and treatment of these individuals consumes approximately $10 billion annually, the majority of it for prescription drugs used to manage the disease and its symptoms. Fortunately, despite challenges presented by co-factors resulting in GERD (diet, obesity, etc.),.
