GERD for the nongastroenterologist: successful evaluation, management, and lifestyle-based symptom control.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a complex disorder. Symptoms of heartburn can help find the disorder of GERD. pH testing is the mainstay of evaluation of symptoms, including 24-h and longer pH studies to detect pathologic acid exposure.

Infected ascites: Distinguishing secondary peritonitis from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in a cirrhotic patient with classic symptoms.

Introduction: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can be differentiated from secondary bacterial peritonitis by the absence of a surgically treatable intra-abdominal source of infection. However, oftentimes this is unapparent and other clinical clues need to be sought after to make the right diagnosis.

Case: A 64-year-old woman was admitted because of three days of worsening diffuse abdominal pain and distention.