Dear Colleague,

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that continues to increase in prevalence. Nighttime and supraesophageal symptoms of GERD represent an area of great clinical interest. These GERD-related abnormalities result in a significant economic and healthcare burden.

We will explore these issues in a unique interactive symposium; each topic will be introduced by a case presentation, followed by a series of chairman-imposed questions to the presenter. Ample opportunity will then be provided at the conclusion of the symposium for participants to ask questions of our expert panel.

The first segment of our interactive program will evaluate the impact that nighttime and supraesophageal GERD have on work productivity and quality of life.

The second segment of the program will provide a critical review of the evidence indicating that nighttime reflux contributes to supraesophageal symptoms. This presentation will focus on the contribution of nighttime reflux to symptoms such as hoarseness, chronic cough, throat clearing, and globus pharyngeus and will review the importance of early diagnosis in the prevention of such symptoms.

Finally, a critical assessment of the relationship between nighttime GERD and sleep will be provided because disturbed sleep affects the majority of GERD sufferers. The risk factors for sleep impairment and the treatment options to alleviate such symptoms will be reviewed.

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to join us and participate as we examine the relationship between nighttime and supraesophageal GERD.

Sincerely,



Ronnie Fass, MD
Professor of Medicine
University of Arizona