Outlook

Reflux disease (GERD) is treatable, but relapses are common, especially if you do not change your lifestyle.

• For people with mild-to-moderate disease (grades 1-2), home care and H2-blockers are effective about 60% of the time.
  
  
• Severe esophagitis (grades 3-4) usually requires PPI therapy.
  
  
• If relapses occur, long-term therapy or surgery will be necessary to avoid complications.

Complications of acid reflux can include any of the following. Most of these are rare, but GERD can be the first step toward any of them. The best treatment for any of these is prevention.

• Esophagitis and esophageal ulcers - Inflammation, irritation of the lining of the esophagus
  
  
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux - When acid from the stomach gets into the throat, the voice becomes hoarse.
  
  
• Bleeding - Due to ulcers in the damaged esophageal lining
  
  
• Strictures - Narrowing of the esophagus due to chronic scarring
  
  
• Swallowing problems - Due to strictures
  
  
• Respiratory problems - When acid from the stomach gets into the breathing passages
  
  
• Barrett esophagus - Changes in the cells lining the esophagus, a precancerous condition
  
  
• Cancer of the esophagus - Has a very low incidence rate

Viewer Comments & Reviews

GERD - Proton Pump Inhibitors

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Heartburn symptoms caused by GERD are usually relieved by drugs called proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, Zegerid); however, proton pump inhibitors sometimes do not work well. If your symptoms were not relieved by treatment with proton pump inhibitors, can you please describe your GERD symptoms that did not improve? If you have other treatments that have been effective, please comment on those.

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 5 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review