Treatment Options for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Goals of Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The primary goals of treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are as follows:

• Relieve symptoms of the disease
• Heal esophagitis - inflammation of the esophagus caused by acid reflux
• Prevent complications of GERD
• Prevent relapse of disease once the patient is in remission

In general, the following treatment options are available for the management of patients with GERD:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Medical (drug) therapy
• Endoscopic antireflux therapy
• Gastroesophageal reflux surgery