Gastroesophageal reflux disease medical therapy
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Medical Therapy
Lifestyle Modifications
The rubric "lifestyle modifications" is the term physicians use when recommending non-drug GERD treatments. A 2006 review suggested that evidence for most dietary interventions is anecdotal; only weight loss and elevating the head of the bed were supported by evidence[1]. A subsequent randomized crossover study showed benefit by avoiding eating two hours before bed.[2]
Foods
Certain foods and lifestyle are considered to promote gastroesophageal reflux:
- Coffee, alcohol, and excessive amounts of Vitamin C supplements stimulate gastric acid secretion. Taking these before bedtime especially can cause evening reflux. (Although a study published in 2006 by Stanford University researchers disputes the effect of coffee, acidic, spicy foods etc. as a myth.[1])
- Antacids based on calcium carbonate (but not aluminum hydroxide) were found to actually increase the acidity of the stomach. However, all antacids reduced acidity in the lower esophagus, so the net effect on GERD symptoms may still be positive.[3].
- Foods high in fats and smoking reduce lower esophageal sphincter competence, so avoiding these tends to help. Fat also delays stomach emptying.
- Eating shortly before bedtime (For clinical purposes, this usually means 2-3 hours before going to bed).
- Large meals. Having more but smaller meals reduces GERD risk, as it means there is less food in the stomach at any one time.
- Soda or pop (regular or diet).
- Chocolate and peppermint.
- Acidic foods, such as oranges and tomatoes.
- Cruciferous vegetables: onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts.
- Milk and milk-based products contain calcium and fat, and should be avoided before bedtime.
Positional therapy
Sleeping on one's left side has been shown to drastically reduce night time reflux episodes in patients.[4].
Elevating the head of the bed is also effective. When combining drug therapy, food avoidance before bedtime, and elevation of the head of the bed, over 95% of patients will have complete relief. Additional conservative measures may be considered if there is incomplete relief. Another approach is to apply all conservative measures for maximum response. A meta-analysis suggested that elevating the head of bed is an effective therapy, although this conclusion was only supported by nonrandomized studies [1].
Elevating the head of the bed can be done by using various items: plastic or wooden bed risers that support bed posts or legs, a bed wedge pillow, or a wedge or an inflatable mattress lifter that fits in between mattress and box spring. The height of the elevation is critical and must be at least 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in order to be at least minimally effective to prevent the backflow of gastric fluids. It should be noted that some innerspring mattresses do not work well when inclined and tend to cause back pain, thus foam based mattresses or futons are to be preferred. Some report relief from back pain by sleeping with one leg bent at the knee, alternating legs. Moreover, some use higher degrees of incline than provided by the commonly suggested 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) and claim greater success.
Drug treatment
A number of drugs are registered for GERD treatment, and they are among the most-often-prescribed forms of medication in most Western countries. They can be used in combination with other drugs, although some antacids can interfere with the function of other drugs:
- Proton pump inhibitors are the most effective in reducing gastric acid secretion. These drugs stop acid secretion at the source of acid production, i.e., the proton pump.
- Antacids before meals or symptomatically after symptoms begin can reduce gastric acidity (increase pH).
- Alginic acid (Gaviscon) may coat the mucosa as well as increase pH and decrease reflux. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests alginic acid may be the most effective of non-prescription treatments with a number needed to treat of 4 [5].
- Gastric H2 receptor blockers such as ranitidine or famotidine can reduce gastric secretion of acid. These drugs are technically antihistamines. They relieve complaints in about 50% of all GERD patients. Compared to placebo (which also is associated with symptom improvement), they have a number needed to treat of eight (8) [5].
- Prokinetics strengthen the LES and speed up gastric emptying. Cisapride, a member of this class, was withdrawn from the market for causing Long QT syndrome.
- Sucralfate (Carafate®) is also useful as an adjunct in helping to heal and prevent esophageal damage caused by GERD, however it must be taken several times daily and at least two (2) hours apart from meals and medications.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Kaltenbach T, Crockett S, Gerson LB (2006). "Are lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? An evidence-based approach". Arch. Intern. Med. 166 (9): 965–71. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.9.965. PMID 16682569.
- ↑ Piesman M, Hwang I, Maydonovitch C, Wong RK (2007). "Nocturnal reflux episodes following the administration of a standardized meal. Does timing matter?". Am. J. Gastroenterol. 102 (10): 2128–34. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01348.x. PMID 17573791.
- ↑ Decktor DL, Robinson M, Maton PN, Lanza FL, Gottlieb S. Effects of Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide and Calcium Carbonate on Esophageal and Gastric pH in Subjects with Heartburn. Am J Ther 1995;2:546-552. PMID 11854825.
- ↑ Khoury RM, Camacho-Lobato L, Katz PO, Mohiuddin MA, Castell DO. Influence of spontaneous sleep positions on nighttime recumbent reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:2069-73. PMID 10445529.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Tran T, Lowry A, El-Serag H (2007). "Meta-analysis: the efficacy of over-the-counter gastro-oesophageal reflux disease drugs". Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 25 (2): 143–53. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03135.x. PMID 17229239.