Gastroesophageal reflux disease

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Digestive system

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux - series

Upper gastrointestinal system

Peptic esophagitis; Reflux esophagitis; GERD; Heartburn - chronic

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

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

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

• 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)

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

Review Date: 07/28/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.