Treatment - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Management of uncomplicated GERD consists of (1) elevation of the head of the bed 6 inches; (2) avoidance of strong stimulants of acid secretion (eg, coffee, alcohol); (3) avoidance of certain drugs (eg, anticholinergics), specific foods (fats, chocolate), and smoking, all of which reduce lower esophageal sphincter competence; (4) use of an antacid 30 mL 1 h after meals and at bedtime to neutralize gastric acidity and possibly increase lower esophageal sphincter competence; (5) use of H2 blockers to reduce gastric acidity (sometimes with other drugs); and (6) use of cholinergic agonists (eg, bethanechol 25 mg po tid, metoclopramide 10 mg po 30 min before meals and at bedtime, or cisapride 10 mg qid--Caution: Risk of serious drug interactions with cisapride) to increase sphincter pressure. The hydrogen-potassium ATPase inhibitors omeprazole 20 mg/day for 4 to 8 wk or lansoprazole 30 mg/day for 4 to 8 wk are the most effective agents for rapid healing of peptic esophagitis. Omeprazole has been approved for long-term use to prevent the recurrence of erosive esophagitis.

Home Page Adjustable Bed Lift Solution Wedge Lifts GERD Acid Reflux Sinusitis Sleep Apnea Bed Pillows

Site Map Privacy Policy

Copyright 2009 Contour Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The content on this website, including, without limitation, the text, diagrams, images, photographs, audio works, and audio/visual works (collectively, "Content"), are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Any copying, editing, reproduction, modification, publication, rebroadcasting, public display or public distribution of the Content is expressly forbidden without the express written consent of the copyright owner.