Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Alternate Names : GERD, Heartburn - Chronic, Peptic Esophagitis, Reflux Esophagitis
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GERD 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.
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