Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
How is it treated?
The goals of treatment for GERD are to:
- alleviate or eliminate symptoms
- decrease the frequency or recurrence and duration of the disease
- promote healing of the injured tissues of the esophagus
Patients with mild symptoms are treated as needed with non-prescription remedies like antacids, a non-prescription H2 blocker, or the non-prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI), omeprazole (brand name: Prilosec OTC). For patients with more severe symptoms, or for those who do not respond adequately to non-prescription therapies, continuous treatment with a prescription-strength H2 blocker or PPI is recommended. H2 blockers and PPIs both work by decreasing the production of stomach acid that causes many of the symptoms of GERD.
In patients where GERD may be due to slow movement of food through their gastrointestinal system, the next step is to try a pro-motility agent such as Reglan (metoclopramide) that increases the rate at which food moves throughout the gastrointestinal system.
Maintenance therapy with an acid suppressing agent (like an H2 blocker, PPI, or antacid), a pro-motility agent, or both may be needed to control symptoms and prevent complications of GERD. It is recommended that you consult your doctor to decide which therapy is needed for you.
In cases where the esophagus has been badly injured by GERD, or when medical therapy fails, surgery is considered on an individual basis. In April 2003, the Food and Drug Administration approved Enteryx, a permanently implanted device to help patients with symptoms of GERD. Enteryx must be inserted through a surgical procedure. This device prevents the reflux of stomach acid into the throat, potentially allowing patients with chronic GERD to avoid daily medications.
Drug classes used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Antacids Histamine-2 Receptor Blockers Promotility Agents Proton Pump Inhibitors
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How is it treated?
