Gastroesophageal reflux disease

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Alternative Names

Peptic esophagitis; Reflux esophagitis; GERD; Heartburn - chronic

Treatment

General measures include:

Weight reduction
Avoiding lying down after meals
Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated
Taking medication with plenty of water
Avoiding dietary fat, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint (they may cause lower esophageal pressure)
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco

Medications that alleviate symptoms include:

Antacids after meals and at bedtime
Histamine H2 receptor blockers
Promotility agents
Proton pump inhibitors

Anti-reflux operations (Nissen fundoplication) may help a small number of patients who have persistent symptoms despite medical treatment. There are also new therapies that can be performed through an endoscope (a flexible tube passed through the mouth into the stomach) for reflux.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The majority of people respond to nonsurgical measures with behavioral modification and medications.

Possible Complications

Inflammation of the esophagus
Stricture
Esophageal ulcer
Hoarseness, bronchospasm
Chronic pulmonary disease
Barrett's esophagus (a change in the lining of the esophagus that can increase the risk of cancer)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve with lifestyle changes or medication.


Digestive system


Gastroesophageal reflux disease


Upper gastrointestinal system

Review Date: 12/19/2007
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (7/28/2006).

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