Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Alternative names:

GERD; peptic esophagitis; reflux esophagitis

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

Antireflux operations (Nissen fundoplication) may be indicated for a small number of patients who have persistent symptoms despite medical treatment.

Expectations (prognosis):

85% of people respond to nonsurgical measures.

Complications:

• esophagitis
• stricture
• esophageal ulcer
• hoarseness, bronchospasm
• chronic pulmonary disease

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if the symptoms worsen or do not improve after using general measures.