The staging of severity in gastroesopageal reflux disease

Abstract

The concept of staging gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has evolved in past decades. In 1974, it was recommended that a standardized method be used to assess the severity and degree of reflux; in 1988, it was proposed that staging be used to evaluate and to report GERD objectively. Some clinicians have since experimented with the staging system by reporting on definite forms of GERD, and others have offered ideas to improve the objectivity of evaluating and reporting GERD.