Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as symptoms or complications resulting from the reflux of gastric contents repeatedly into the esophagus or beyond (into the oral cavity, larynx or lung). GERD is one of the most common diseases encountered not just by gastroenterologists but by primary-care physicians, consulting physicians, and other specialists. This presentation presents consensus recommendations to identify the best therapeutic options in GERD which were collectively formulated by an expert panel consisting of experts from various disciplines (gastroenterologists, physicians, cardiologists and diabetologists) across India. The expert panel provided recommendations for various aspects of GERD including the importance of lifestyle modifications (weight loss, smoking cessation, limited intake of tea, coffee, restricted fatty and spicy food intake, avoiding larger meals and avoiding meals at late night); recommendations for appropriate use of PPIs in the treatment of GERD (consumption of PPIs 30-60 min prior to breakfast, maintaining treatment for a period of 8 weeks). The panel suggests adequate use of step up and step down of PPIs to avoid over use of the medication in patients. Adequate duration of treatment (8 weeks in most cases) is important. Adequate treatment of GERD should be able to achieve this objective, but no pharmaceutical agent can fully correct the multiple mechanisms involved, like motor dysfunction, weak sphincter, acid pocket, night-time regurgitation responsible for acid reflux into the esophagus. Acid suppression remains the most effective way to relieve symptoms and to promote healing of esophagitis in patients with GERD. Addition of proper adjuvant therapy may be required depending on pathogenesis.

Biography

Email: Varsha.D.Khatry@pfizer.com